Africa must defend Obama legacy

By Naboth Mehwezi

On Jan.20, 2017, World Media including Vision Group broad casted former first black American President,His Excellency Barak Obama handing over office just like it was his inauguration day.

According to Washington Post-ABC News polls, Obama scored 60% of the American people who approved job performance with other polls putting him at the 15^th place out of 43 former American President s.

A few days to the handover ceremony, Obama delivered his farewell speeches living thousands in tears while others yelled; more four years…………more four years.

This is no ordinary achievement Africa should underscore if we are to witness more great leaders of our identity moving to revive the dignity of the African race.

As Africa, a continent with a unique history, we must emulate and defend Obama legacy that being black or white is our creators' choice but not a measure of one's intellect, capability, gift or talent.

Reflecting on Obamas back ground as an infamous, poor black immigrant born in a small village of an African country like Kenya and beating all odds to end up in the worlds most envied office-White House, is a complex puzzle agroup of what Hillary Clinton reportedly described as, ‘basket of racists ‘are still scratching their heads for asolution wondering how it could happen.

But one needs not ponder how Obama could have made it. In his famous campaign speech, ‘ The Audacity of hope, ‘  Obama says,'……….my parents shared not only an improbable love, they shared an abiding faith in the possibilities of this ……….. . They imagined me going to the best schools in the land, even though they were not rich…………'

Therefore H.E Obamas success can be premised on two main pillars African learn from; that is good parenthood and government policies and leadership.

Having parents or guardians who love,care and wish the very best for their children from the bottom of their heart s, is the first pillar on which every individual anchors for success in life. Sadly, Africa is one of the continents where human life particularly children is still undervalued,considering the level of child abuse and neglect by man, parent and guardians and even governments.

A UNICEF report shows that over 400million children are abandoned on the streets of hundreds of cities around the world, Africa inclusive. This of course excludes children neglected, mistreated or battered in homes with no opportunities of good feeding, accommodation,healthcare andeducation. The report is backed by regular traumatizing media reports mutilated children through torture, increasing numbers of mothers throwing their babies in pit-latrines or indiscriminate .killing of children in war torn countries.

On the other side, if there is something fascinating about western countries (Europe and America) it is the level of love and value they attach to theirchildren and countries which Obama enjoyed to become a world leader.. Who knows whether out of these neglected children there would not be another Barack Obama??

Another pillar is good leadership and government policies. The Banyankole have as saying that,'owabura kihabura agyenda bwiira' (meaning that one that does know the way with no one to guided  him walks until night falls'.

Similarly, like one on a journey, children need professional guidance as their foundation to make right decisions when they grow up.

Many potentially genius, talented children scratch for themselves like a chick whose mother has been bitten by akite. This is because most parents themselves are not trained, exposed nor can they afford to employ professionals on child development hence losing great opportunities to exercise their full potential in life.

Community leaders,  the church and related organizations are the best institutions to offer moral mentor ship and  guidance to children for responsible, accountable leaders who will distinguish between what is right from what is wrong.

 There is also need for African governments to bring up a generation of young leaders who will put the continent above self and institute and enabling environment and equal opportunities for all.

Many children have been left to Non-government organization whose funding mainly depends on donors and sympathizers.

African governments should support guinine organizations to ensure enough food, good health care, quality education for the children and above all peacefull resolution of conflicts to avoid wars and mother-child displacement.

Therefore walking in Obamas paved way and footsteps, it's no dream but Africa is very capable to produce more world leaders. Leaders who will leaveoffice when their citizens will be shedding tears of love for their deeds not tears of relief for their misery and suffering. How I dream H.E Obama becoming the founding President of United Nations of Africa (UNA)!!

Yes, we can defend Obama legacy.

As for your Excellency Barack Obama you're the bright star Africa has long waited for

What can Africa reward you with our very own Barack?

The only reward we can afford is to write for you a song

‘' In my black home where I was called Dark Continent

   There has emerged a world leader by the names of Barack Obama

   Barack has renamed my home bright continent

   Barack has revived my home dignity

                    Oh, sing you the great name Barak Obama

                     Sing you my young children in every corner of Africa

                     Oh, sing you Black America and friend's world over

                      And may your name live beyond your age my very own Barack

The writer is Journalist