A sociologist and development expert, Dr ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, has urged African leaders to harness cultural identities as tools for development rather than viewing them as sources of division.
She made the call during a webinar organised by the Think Tank for Sustainable Development with the title, ‘Reinventing Tribalism to Work for Africa’s Development.’
Dr Aniagolu argued that Africa’s development debate has long been divided between those who defend ethnic identity and those who seek to eliminate it.
She proposed a third option that channels cultural loyalty into community development and national progress.
She said, “As Nigeria and many African nations confront complex socio-economic challenges, the role of citizens, institutions, and communities in shaping a more equitable future cannot be overstated.
Africa’s social and cultural identities must be harnessed as catalysts for progress rather than division.”
According to her, tribalism is often misunderstood and unfairly blamed for many of Africa’s challenges.
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