Speaking in Ota, Ogun State, Covenant University Chancellor Dr. David Oyedepo has advised African countries to turn inward and utilize native strategies to resolve the region's persistent difficulties.
What did the chancellor say about foreign dependence?
During an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday, the prominent cleric and educationist stressed that creating home-grown approaches to domestic hurdles is the vital path for Africa to curtail its reliance on external support.
"Man is created to solve his problems wherever he is planted. Therefore, African countries should provide solutions to their challenges without constantly seeking foreign assistance," Oyedepo stated.
He argued that the continent's sluggish developmental trajectory is not tied to racial identity, but rather stems from an underappreciation of inherent human potential. According to him, Africans must assume complete ownership of their collective future.
Why is mindset a barrier to African progress?
Oyedepo pointed out that a passive, fatalistic mindset—characterized by the notion that whatever will happen will happen—has severely hindered proactive problem-solving and accountability across many African societies.
He emphasized that true national greatness relies directly on the proactive input and meaningful contributions of citizens and domestic institutions. Meaningful advancement will only materialize when regional leaders and populations maximize local resources, internal expertise, and native capabilities to achieve sustainable growth.