African leaders, citizens charged

Tunde Oyekola, Osogbo - 06.02.2009

African countries have been advised to put their houses in order and conduct free and fair elections, purge the leaders of corruption and execute projects which will impact positively on the people.

This advice was given by the President of American Constituency for Africa, Mr. Melvin Foote, while delivering the inaugural Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola Leadership Lecture held at WOCDIF Centre, Osogbo, as part of activities marking the 58th birthday anniversary of the Osun State governor, Prince Oyinlola.

Speaking on the topic, “Prospects for Africa with Barrack Obama as the American President,” Mr. Foote said Africans should not expect miracles from President Obama’s administration unless there was good governance, free and fair elections, transparency and accountability.

According to him, “I don’t think Africa should expect any miracles from President Obama. I really can’t see him flying over Africa any time dropping bales of fresh dollars from his airplane.

“In order for Africa to take advantage of the Obama presidency and this unique opportunity in history, African countries will need to get their houses in order and seek ways to strategically engage the United States,” Foote said.