Pan African 2024,: "African Countries Must Begin to Govern and Produce Independently to Attain Greatness," Says Dr. Iheaguazi

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African nations have been encouraged to assume full responsibility for their governance and production, embracing self-reliance as the key to restoring Africa’s greatness. This call to action was made during the 12th Annual Pan African International Conference & Awards, held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.


Delivering his address at the event, themed *"Innovation for Sustainable Economic Growth in Africa: An Opportunity to Make Africa Great Again,"* Dr. Emmanuel Iheaguazi, Managing Director of Climax Lubricant Industry, emphasized Africa's immense, untapped potential. He noted that Africa is abundantly endowed with resources across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, entertainment, mining, and education. "God has blessed Africa richly, with resources that should enable us to resist any foreign domination. With our fertile land and abundant talents, we are fully capable of sustaining ourselves," he stated.


Dr. Iheaguazi highlighted Africa’s responsibility to actively develop and innovate, asserting that Africans have all they need to produce and govern for self-sufficiency, just as Egypt once nourished other nations throughout history. He also drew a parallel to Christian teachings, pointing out that just as faith is central to spiritual salvation, hard work and innovation are essential to a thriving economy. He urged African leaders to enact policies that empower rather than stifle businesses, highlighting the adverse effects of punitive policies in Nigeria that have made business unsustainable.


In an emotional recount, he described his own struggles with Nigeria’s policies, revealing how a local bank wrongfully demanded additional repayment for a fully settled loan his company had borrowed the previous year. He noted that China’s recent history serves as an example, showing how a nation can become self-sufficient and prosperous by strategically applying the knowledge acquired from foreign partnerships.


Dr. Iheaguazi passionately argued that Nigeria could reclaim its potential if the government collaborates with industry leaders to remove the barriers impeding progress.


Barrister Olufunke Rakia Hassan, Vice Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, celebrated the conference convener for twelve years of fostering leadership development. She accepted the Pan African International Award of Excellence on behalf of Pastor Mrs. Ifeanyi Adefarasin, who was honoured as the 2024 Humanitarian Personality of the Year.


His Majesty Assongba Denis of Benin Republic, another award recipient, shared his own insights, encouraging Africa’s youth to be patient, invest in their home countries, and not abandon their heritage for opportunities abroad. Drawing on his 38 years in the United States, he urged youth to collaborate with local stakeholders, rejecting colonial mindsets that often limit progress. "Africans cannot achieve true development if our youth are constantly leaving for countries like Japan without serious consultation,” he warned.


The event’s convener, Prince David Anyia, concluded the conference by leading attendees into a networking session, inducting them as Pan African International Ambassadors committed to championing Africa’s development. Attendees included representatives from Climax Property Company, Climax Lubricant Industry, and artists like musician Righteousman and his wife, Carol Cee, Vice President of Praise Affairs International.

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