The Dream

I ask again, do you get upset when people refer to Africa like it is one small country or village? Well, I do sometimes but I cannot blame people for their ignorance.

When I think Africa, I think of the 54 independent countries which comprise vast vegetation, beautiful people and great culture. Very often, Africans themselves tend to succumb to the ridiculous stereotypes created by the world.

I personally fail to realise how grand Africa is sometimes. In other words, the problems of Africa as well as their solutions, start with you and me.

First, dating back to the days of slavery, the ‘superiors’ came in, stole our people, our land and made us feel like we were less than what we are.

Years and years have passed and it is so sad to see that some Africans still do not know how much they are worth, as individuals and as members of the strong and beautiful black community.

There are a million and one reasons to love Africa. I, for one, am Nigerian, and despite all odds, I am a very proud citizen.

First of all, the potential of the average African youth is absolutely mind blowing. Did you know that 10 out of 20 graduates of Ivy League colleges are African students?

It is a great deal to move to an entirely new environment and outshine your peers. Not disregarding the abilities of any other race in any way, I can proudly say that the talent, brains and productivity that African youth portray in every part of the world go a long way in defining the glory of the African continent.

It is now left to the youth to fix the stereotypes, use their gifts, visions and aspirations for the betterment of their individual countries which will eventually spread across the continent, resulting in integration and visible growth.

As much as there are violence and fear, there is hope and unity. As much as there are poverty and sickness, there is wealth and health in Africa.

We need to begin to see a future that is so bright no one else can beat it. We need to stand up and work for what we want.

We need to empower ourselves as the youth and the future of our continent, to do, move and restore. We need to learn, teach and grow together.

Nature has made us special (different). As people of colour, it is natural to be treated differently in the society.

Let us not sit back and be the victims, rather let us go out there and give the world a taste of our goodness and uniqueness.

________________________________Al-Ihekwaba Ebube is a blogger at KlynGist (klyngist.blogspot.com), a blog site that focuses on Africa and ways to further develop it. A person who loves to get acquainted with life, Ebube also loves helping to solve problems that Black Africans face. He is an Undergraduate of Landmark University.