Don Tasks African Youths on Mandela’s Values

Funmi Ogundare

A Research Associate Professor at the Institute of African and Diasporan Studies, University of Lagos,  Kayode Eesuola, yesterday called on youths across Africa to re-image the qualities and values of late Nelson Mandela in their everyday life, saying such would make the world a better place.

Eesuola, who made this call at the 2023 Nelson Mandela International Day: Unilag/EWAN African Youth Discourse with the theme: ‘Making More Mandelas’, described Mandela as the founding father of democracy, exemplary anti-colonial leader, a symbol of social justice, among others.

He expressed concern about the problem of leadership in Africa, saying it is in politics and religion, and noted that the youths must play their roles differently to re-image the icon.

According to him,” Nelson Mandela has been widely considered as an icon because of what the world has said about him. Some even portrayed him as the Messiah.” 

“He never amassed wealth to oppress the poor.

“He was featured in films, sports, music, and clothes designs. The re-imaging of Mandela means you have to play your role and ensure that whatever you do in your students’ association, be a Mandela.”

In her remarks, the Deputy Consul of South African Consulate, Ms. Busisiwe Dlamini, stated that this year marked Mandela’s 10th year of passing and that it has become imperative for African countries to reflect on what he stood for and ensure implementation.

She said: “Mandela stood for advocating human rights and conflict resolution. How do we develop our country post-conflict? How do we advocate for the rights of people? We are facing political instability and insecurity. We need to advocate and implement on who Nelson Mandela was.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described the late icon as one who made a positive impact, and had empathy and love for humanity, adding that he was not the type to amass wealth, build houses and buy a fleet of cars at the expense of the poor.

Ogunsola, who was represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Musa Obalola, advised the youths to emulate the life of Mandela.

Also, the Chairman, Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN) , Mr. Mojeed Alabi, explained that the association is committed to reporting issues that would encourage reform in our education system, adding that the late icon had a spirit of humanity in him, “unlike the crop of leaders that we have now who are bent on amassing wealth for selfish reasons.

“We are remembering Mandela for who he was, and to achieve diversity, we must reform our education in Africa and create more Mandelas.”