A lecturer at Lagos State University, Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine, has emphasized the need for stronger intervention by African governments to tackle poverty, food insecurity, housing deficits, and other social challenges facing the continent. Speaking as a guest lecturer at the public presentation of Lion Biodun Sowunmi as the 18th president of the Lagos Paddles Lions Club, Akhaine noted that the scale of social and economic challenges facing Africa requires more than just market forces, private corporations, and philanthropic organizations.
Akhaine cited multiple crises facing Africa, including food insecurity, inadequate housing, unemployment, and limited access to education and healthcare. In Nigeria, for instance, there is a shortage of nearly 100 million housing units, and millions of children lack adequate access to education. These challenges, he argued, underscore the need for governments to reassess their role in providing basic welfare and social protection.
The professor criticized the neoliberal approach to capitalism, which emphasizes market forces while reducing the responsibility of the state in addressing public welfare. He argued that market forces are ultimately driven by human beings and cannot be treated as an independent mechanism capable of resolving all societal problems. Akhaine pointed to China as an example of the impact of strong state intervention in development, where the government has mobilized millions of people to provide basic necessities, including food, clothing, education, healthcare, housing, and water.
Akhaine linked Africa's present development challenges to its historical experience of slavery and colonialism, arguing that the effects of those experiences continue to shape contemporary economic inequalities. He noted that Africa's development challenges are being compounded by new forms of external influence and structural inequalities within the global system.
The academic maintained that governments must retain responsibility for providing welfare, security, and other basic services to citizens. He urged African governments to focus on broader societal needs rather than allowing market forces to determine access to essential services. Akhaine also called for greater transparency and integrity in the mobilization and use of resources, particularly funds raised through voluntary donations and philanthropic initiatives.
In his acceptance speech, Lion Sowunmi, the newly installed 18th president of the Lagos Paddles Lions Club, pledged to make service, compassion, integrity, and community impact the defining principles of his tenure. He challenged members of the club to identify societal problems and become part of efforts to provide solutions. Sowunmi urged members to renew their commitment to the Lions International motto, "We Serve," and use the organization's platform to make a meaningful difference in society.
The Lagos Paddles Lions Club has set a target of raising N150 million for legacy projects focused on health, education, and community welfare. The club's First Vice President and Chairman of the Investiture Committee, Lion Kunle Adeneye, appealed to individuals, corporate organizations, partners, and other donors to support the fundraising campaign, saying the club cannot achieve its objectives without collective support.
Key points
- Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine calls for stronger African governments to address poverty and social challenges.
- Akhaine criticizes the neoliberal approach to capitalism for reducing state responsibility in public welfare.
- The Lagos Paddles Lions Club aims to raise N150 million for legacy projects in health, education, and community welfare.
