African Day Celebration – How Happy Are We/ Whither Africa?

By Maraya Mushka Conteh(Sierra Leone)

For those familiar with my editorial nuggets, I am always elated and proud to be associated with everything African; and I would, in my usual manner, enthuse that Africa is my forte, because I hold a strong belief that this much-maligned continent is the hope of the world. Although, many may not completely agree with my position, but happenings across the globe indicate that the future of the world economy lies in Africa. China and the rest of the developed world can attest to this pointer.

As a bonafide Sierra Leonean, I am fully convinced that no matter how discouraging the scenarios of the past decades had been, my beloved Mama Salone will forever remain my sweet home for numerous reasons: First and foremost, it is here, and the rest of Africa, that I can relate freely and radiate the beauty of my dark skin without a sneer or anyone questioning the audacity of my action.

As we enjoyed our moments with families and loved ones over the holiday- with the celebration of Eid Mubarak and The African Day – it provided me a platform for a reappraisal of where we had been, and what had become of us as a people. As I watched the MTV Base channel on Dstv songs presentation by selected African artists, anchored by our own Idris Elba, it became obvious that something is amiss with us as a continent and as people. There was a stirring sense of unison and sticking unity in every performance – from singing, dancing, acting, etc. They rallied for a common cause, to support the world in the fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. This left me whining over the amount of debt of appreciation we owe ourselves collectively as a race.

The collective sense of unity left me in a state of reverie: I started reviewing the impact we have made through sports and music; and, my eyes glistening with tears, the issue of leadership beckoned. I began to ponder how, as a continent, we got it all wrong in the most important aspects of life’s Leadership! Yet, we started strongly with the hope for a better continent by creating the Organization of African Unity, which unequivocally gave birth to the celebration of Africa Day.

With mixed-feelings, one recalls that some decades back, when Mozambican-born Eusebio Da Silva won the trophy of the World’s Best footballer for Portugal, the credit did not go to Africa, but to his adopted European country. In Music, likes of Huge Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Sunny Okosun, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti of blessed memory to the new generation holding their sway in every genre of music and entertainment across the continent.

Sierra Leone on one hand, played a remarkable impact in science through the legacies of Late Dr, Davidson Nicol who was also known as an award-winning writer. During his time at the revered Cambridge University UK, he established an unprecedented scientific legacy as the first medical student to analyze the breakdown of insulin in the human body an important boost which regulates the human body and metabolism. it is on record, that his analysis help to create therapies for diabetes which to date poses a huge health challenge to millions of people around the world.

In no time, Late Dr, Davidson Nicol, a Sierra Leonean born African became the first African to graduate with a first-class honor’s from Cambridge University and also the First Black African to become a Fellow at the Cambridge College. This and many more, represent the legendary landmarks of Africans in the past and present.

The foregoing memories of continental achievement made me examine a particular topic, which has everything to do with our society today. Some people address issues of greatest concern just because their friends, families are involved or due to party considerations.