Ambassador and diplomat, Prof. Dean Roberts Jnr., has issued a stark and deeply resonant warning, calling upon Africans and people of African descent across the globe to unite and resist the persistent divisions and conflicts he describes as a direct consequence of the transatlantic slave trade. His words, delivered at the Ibuaku Clan Development Association (ICDA) family retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, under the theme ‘Reclaiming Our Story: Ibiaku History, Identity, and Heritage,’ underscore a profound and unsettling perspective on the enduring impact of this historical tragedy. He asserts that the time has come for Africans to recognize themselves as a unified family and actively engage in collaborative development.
Prof. Roberts’ perspective is rooted in a profound acknowledgment of the gravity of the past, specifically the historical reality of slavery. He meticulously details how the trade fractured African families, severed ancestral ties, and systematically separated millions of individuals from their homes and communities, leaving an undeniable legacy of loss and displacement. He points to President John Dramani Mahama’s address to the United Nations General Assembly during which Ghana spearheaded efforts to recognize the trafficking and enslavement of Africans as a grave crime against humanity, a statement that resonated deeply within the international community.
He explicitly cautioned against the potential for contemporary divisions to undermine the continent’s development, arguing that the persistence of such fractures could impede progress and perpetuate cycles of instability. The historical context of the slave trade is presented as a cautionary tale, highlighting the inherent dangers of societal fragmentation and the critical need for collective action. He stresses that the historical failures of the transatlantic slave trade have not simply vanished; they continue to shape contemporary challenges, and he contends that a failure to confront these issues collectively risks a continuation of the destructive patterns of division.
Furthermore, Prof. Roberts underscores the profound suffering inflicted upon African individuals and communities during this period. He references the staggering numbers of Africans forcibly removed from their ancestral lands and the devastating impact on their cultural heritage, traditions, and social fabric. He vividly portrays the economic and social consequences of the slave trade, emphasizing its role as a primary driver of poverty and inequality within African societies. He referenced numerous statistics, including the fact that the transatlantic slave trade contributed significantly to the economic disparity between the African diaspora and the rest of the world, and the immense human cost of this system.
He explicitly called for unity, reconciliation, and a commitment to breaking generational chains, warning that the bitterness and divisions inherited from slavery could continue to undermine the continent’s progress. He highlighted the dangers of apathy and inaction, suggesting that the continued neglect of African identity and heritage would be a significant loss for future generations. The late Obong Elder Harry Etukudoh, a revered figure in African history, is referenced as a symbol of resilience and a champion of African identity, defending African heritage at a time when many were pressured to distance themselves from their cultural roots. Prof. Roberts’ statement draws inspiration from leaders like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who demonstrated the transformative power of vision, unity, and collective action. He underscored the importance of these historical figures in inspiring a new generation to fight for a just and equitable future.
He then, with a firm commitment to continued advocacy, pledged to continue championing Ibiaku’s identity and heritage on international platforms, emphasizing that united communities have a greater capacity to shape their own destinies. He commended Ambassador Dr. Dennis Ufot, a prominent figure in international development and humanitarian aid, for his leadership in fostering global partnerships and addressing critical challenges. Prof. Roberts concluded with a call for collective action, declaring that ‘Ibiaku will no longer export her destiny; she will develop her destiny.’ He further acknowledged the vital role of the diaspora in supporting African development and highlighted the importance of fostering stronger connections between Africa and the diaspora.
He also expressed gratitude to Ambassador Dr. Dennis Ufot for his leadership and contributions to international development, recognizing his efforts to promote peace, cooperation, and sustainable progress globally. The ICDA family retreat served as a poignant memorial to the memory of the late Obong Elder Harry Etukudoh, a man who, despite facing immense challenges, dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of his people and fostering a sense of cultural pride.
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Source: Adom Online
