I have always believed that African names, greetings, words, and expressions carry profound meanings. By taking the time to explore these words, we can gain wisdom and enhance our lives. A testament to this belief is my publisher’s desk from June to August 2024, where I utilized the Zulu greeting ‘Sawubona’ to convey my message. The positive reception and feedback I received from those who engaged with the accompanying video reassured me that this is a valuable path to pursue. Consequently, I will continue to explore this avenue.
In this edition, I wish to offer a note of caution: as we assume the role of aggressors in various aspects of our lives, we must recognize that while we may wear down others, we are also exhausting ourselves in the process. Growing up in Southwest Nigeria, one of the entertaining activities during festive periods involved being chased by masquerades demanding money we didn’t have. The title of my publisher’s desk is derived from a declaration we used to motivate ourselves while fleeing these masquerades, referred to as ‘ara orun,’ meaning ‘natives of heaven.” The full declaration, ‘bi o ti nre ara aiye, naa lo nre ara orun,’ translates to ‘as the natives of the earth get tired, so do the natives of heaven.
“Throughout our interactions, I have observed that humans worldwide employ various strategies to maintain power, including persuasion, negotiation, petitioning, and aggression. Often, we resort to aggression when we perceive ourselves as older or more powerful than others. However, as I mentioned earlier, we must consider that while we wear down others, we also exhaust ourselves. In my youth, I didn’t realize that when our parents or teachers punished us, they, too, experienced pain. It wasn’t until I became an adult and had to discipline my children that I understood the toll of inflicting punishment. My point is simple: becoming an aggressor to force compliance or inflict pain may not be the most effective way to achieve our goals, as it ultimately harms both parties.
Even in situations where we feel we have the upper hand, it is often wiser to pursue fairness and employ negotiation and persuasion to encourage collaboration. Recently, I attended the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) in Botswana, organized by the Africa Tourism Partners (ATP). One of the panel discussions focused on the importance of environmental and heritage conservation as key drivers of tourism and employment in Africa. My contribution emphasized that since Africa is blessed with a vibrant youth population, gaining the buy-in of both the young and the old is essential for preserving our environment and rich heritage.
As a retired paramilitary officer, I was trained to obey before complaining, a mindset shared by many of us over fifty in Africa. However, it is important to recognize that younger generations are more likely to engage and complain before they comply. The protests against tax hikes in Kenya, the anti-corruption demonstrations in Uganda, and the clamour for change in Nigeria all illustrate how youth responses differ from those of previous generations. Leaders across Africa must adapt to this shift in dynamics; as the dancers grow more energetic, the rhythm of governance must change accordingly. This generation is unlikely to accept the notion that masquerades are solely natives of heaven without question; they have shown a willingness to unmask them if necessary.
Given the current circumstances on the continent, we must take urgent steps to chart a new path for intra-Africa travel, tourism, and investment. Therefore, the cover story of this edition recounts the deliberations from the recent Africa Tourism Leadership Forum in Gaborone, Botswana, themed “Charting a New Path Forward for Intra-Africa Travel, Tourism, and Investments.” Additionally, we have compiled other insightful stories for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!