The Chancellor of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Dr David Oyedepo, has urged African countries to look inward and deploy indigenous solutions to address the continent’s numerous challenges.
Oyedepo gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Ota.
He said that developing home-grown solutions to local challenges was the way forward for Africa to reduce its heavy dependence on foreign countries.
“Man is created to solve his problems wherever he is planted. Therefore, African countries should provide solutions to their challenges without constantly seeking foreign assistance,” he said.
The chancellor said that Africa’s slow pace of development was not because its people were black, but largely because they were blind to their potential.
‘’Africans should take absolute responsibility for their destiny, ‘’ he said.
Oyedepo attributed the continent’s inability to adequately address its challenges to what he described as a “what will happen will happen” mentality.
According to him, the mindset has contributed significantly to Africa’s present situation by discouraging proactive thinking and responsibility.
He said that the greatness of any nation depended on the valuable contributions of individuals and organisations within its borders.
‘’Africa will make meaningful progress only when its countries recognise the importance of indigenous solutions and take responsibility for addressing their challenges rather than relying excessively on foreign assistance, ‘’ he said.
The chancellor urged African leaders and citizens to harness their local knowledge, resources and capabilities to drive sustainable development across the continent.
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