Leadership, Youth and Africa’s Path to Progress

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

In the 100-page ‘Destiny: The African Child Abroad,’ author Modupe Adekunle takes readers on a reflective journey into pre-colonial Africa, evoking memories of a continent rich in culture, communal living, oral tradition and indigenous systems of justice before the disruptive impact of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade.

Structured in two parts, the book combines imagination with historical consciousness to reconstruct Africa’s past and examine its present realities.

Adekunle vividly portrays how elders preserved history, entertained younger generations and imparted values through oral storytelling. She also highlights the beauty of communal life, reverence for deities and the effectiveness of traditional justice systems that once defined many African societies.

Although the transatlantic slave trade has been extensively documented in literature, film and academic discourse, Adekunle revisits the painful history through fictional characters such as Alade and Ademidun.

By doing so, she offers a fresh emotional perspective while drawing parallels between Africa’s pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial experiences.

The author argues that modern Africa, in embracing modernity and individualism, has gradually drifted away from the communal values that once formed the foundation of African identity. Her concern is not merely historical; it is deeply contemporary and political.

Focusing largely on Nigeria as a microcosm of Africa, Adekunle explores the contradictions of a nation often described as the “Giant of Africa” because of its population, military strength and regional influence. Through symbolism and subtle commentary, she critiques the failures of leadership and governance in present-day Nigeria.

Against the backdrop of the anticipated 2027 elections, the book serves as a cautionary tale about leadership and the consequences of poor political choices. The 15 boys aboard the slave ship symbolise ordinary Nigerians, particularly the youth, who are often misled into trusting leaders lacking credibility and vision.

Through their experiences of hunger, suffering and inhumane treatment on the ship, Adekunle mirrors the harsh realities faced by many Nigerians today — poverty, insecurity and hopelessness — while political elites continue to thrive in comfort and privilege.

The slave traders in the narrative become symbolic representations of leaders who mortgage the future of the nation for personal gain.

Adekunle further draws comparisons between the helplessness of enslaved Africans and the vulnerability of Nigeria’s youth, many of whom are exposed to banditry, terrorism, insurgency, cybercrime and other social vices.

According to the author, these challenges persist largely because the ruling class remains insulated from the consequences of poor governance.

While the accessible language and bold typography suggest the book is aimed primarily at young readers and students, its ideological undertones hint at a broader political message.

 Adekunle appears to advocate social awakening and reform, though not through violent revolution.

Her call for change is rooted instead in enlightenment, historical awareness and data-driven reflection.

The book contains extensive documentation of African countries, their colonial histories, independence dates and population figures as of 2026, reinforcing the argument that Africa possesses the human and natural resources necessary for transformation.

Adekunle also celebrates Africans in the diaspora who have excelled despite systemic challenges. By referencing global figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou and Barack Obama, she inspires readers to believe in the inherent greatness of Africans regardless of background or circumstance. For her, true liberation begins with mental emancipation.

The second part of the book contrasts Africans who were forcibly displaced during slavery with modern Africans willingly leaving the continent in search of greener pastures. Adekunle critiques the growing “Japa” phenomenon, arguing that Africa’s continued brain drain weakens the continent while strengthening foreign economies.

She insists that meaningful progress can only come when African leaders move beyond dependence on importation and consumption to prioritise production, industrialisation and exportation.

 Equally important, she argues, is investing in Africa’s youthful population, fertile land and abundant natural resources.

Although the book contains a few punctuation errors, these do little to diminish its overall impact. Adekunle’s deliberate use of symbolism, allegory and other literary devices enriches the narrative and strengthens its social commentary.

Ultimately, ‘Destiny: The African Child Abroad,’ reinforces the enduring idea that literature serves as a mirror of society. Through its blend of fiction and historical documentation, the book revisits critical themes such as slavery, post-colonialism, bad leadership, elections, youth empowerment and liberation.

It is a thought-provoking work that deserves commendation and can be recommended, particularly for young readers seeking a deeper understanding of Africa’s past, present and future.

Before venturing into banking, Adekunle began her legal career at the chambers of Gani Fawehinmi.

She later spent nearly two decades in the banking sector with Zenith Bank Plc. She is currently the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SDGL Limited and Doves Synergy Limited, both consulting and training firms.

She is also the Senior Partner at AMNZ Solicitors, a law firm specialising in corporate and land law.

A coach and prolific writer, Adekunle has authored several books, with ‘Destiny: The African Child Abroad,’ standing as her second publication.