By Hassan Ibrahim
Former Registrar Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Professor Isah Mohammed Abbass says the intellectual legacy of the late Professor Okello Oculi remains highly relevant to Africa’s current struggles, particularly in the areas of economic self-reliance, cultural renaissance, industrialisation, intra-African trade and political independence.
He disclosed this while presenting a paper titled “From Pan-African Dreams to Agenda 2063: The Enduring Vision of the Late Prof. Okello Oculi for African Renaissance,” at the CBN Centre of Excellence, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Professor Abbass argued that Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials and importing finished products by developing its own industries, strengthening the African Continental Free Trade Area and mobilising domestic resources.
He also stressed the importance of African cultural and creative industries, saying culture could serve as a major source of economic power and diplomatic influence if Africans developed indigenous digital platforms and protected their intellectual property.
He maintained that the African Renaissance must be people-driven and should actively involve workers, farmers, women, youths and other ordinary citizens rather than remain an elite or bureaucratic project.
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Dr. Ahmed Adamu Saba, Member of the House of Representatives for the Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency of Kwara State, represented by Kabiru Mu’azu Gamji, called on Africans to unite and harness the continent’s abundant human and natural resources for their own development.
He urged Africans to see themselves first as members of one continent, rather than allowing national boundaries to prevent cooperation and shared progress.
He further urged young Africans to emulate the intellectual footprints of prominent African scholars and leaders while using education, innovation, leadership and collective action to advance the continent.
Another speaker, Dr. Khadijah Sunusi Gumbi from Bayero University Kano, described Professor Oculi as an “intellectual diplomat” whose work combined political thought, literature, Pan-Africanism, cultural renaissance and soft power.
She said a publication launched at the event examined Oculi’s diplomatic legacy and his ideas on using African culture to strengthen continental unity and solidarity.
She said Professor Oculi’s ideas should not remain in books but must be translated into practical policies and programmes capable of improving the lives of ordinary Africans.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the African Union Students’ Club, Muhammad Rabi'u Idris, said the annual public lecture was instituted to preserve and promote Professor Oculi’s legacy following his death.
He described his personal interaction with Oculi as highly enriching, noting that the late scholar was always willing to support initiatives promoting African unity and development.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the African Union Students’ Club, Ahmad Shuaibu Issa, said the organisation had achieved significant progress in promoting Pan-Africanism among students, including bringing together African students from different countries and organising sporting and international programmes.
He said the next step was to focus on practical solutions to Africa’s challenges, including insecurity, disunity, climate change and economic dependence.
The programme, organised in memory of the late Professor Okello Oculi, brought together academics, students, members of the African Union Students’ Club, guests and members of Oculi’s family to celebrate his contribution to Pan-African thought and African development.
The event also featured the launch of a book on Professor Okello Oculi and an award presentation to some dignitaries.
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