Africa needs stronger states to tackle insecurity, socio-economic issues, says Akhaine

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Lagos State University (LASU) don, Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine, has called for stronger intervention by African governments in addressing poverty, food insecurity, housing deficits and other social challenges confronting the continent.

Akhaine, who spoke yesterday as guest lecturer at the public presentation of Biodun Sowunmi as the 18th President of the Lagos Paddles Lions Club, said the scale of social and economic challenges facing Africa could not be adequately addressed by relying solely on market forces, private corporations and philanthropic organisations.

The event also featured a N150 million fundraising initiative.

Akhaine said the continent is being confronted by multiple crises, including food insecurity, inadequate housing, unemployment and limited access to education and healthcare.

He cited Nigeria’s challenges in particular to include what he described as shortage of nearly 100 million housing units as well as millions of children lacking adequate access to education.

According to him, the situation underscored the need for governments to reassess their roles in providing basic welfare and social protection.

In his acceptance speech, Sowunmi pledged to make service, compassion, integrity and community impact the defining principles of his tenure.

He, however, challenged members of the club to identify societal problems and become part of efforts to provide solutions.

The new Lions Club President said leadership should not be measured by titles or the number of meetings held, but by the lives touched, communities strengthened and hope created through service.

He, however, pledged to lead the Lagos Paddles Lions Club with compassion, courage, integrity and excellence, while encouraging members to work collectively towards achieving the club’s humanitarian objectives.

Earlier, the First Vice President and Chairman of the Investiture Committee, Kunle Adeneye, said Sowunmi’s dedication, vision and passion for community development gave the club confidence that his tenure would expand its humanitarian impact.