PAN-AFRICANISM AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF IGWEBUIKE

Abstract

Pan-Africanism presented itself as the sure way to uplift the black man to assert his place in the society, both home and abroad. In other words, it was meant to be a gateway to future African greatness. This focused at explaining why the concept of Igwebuike (fighting together in solidarity) has been an important feature of the Pan-African tradition. Hence, Pan-Africanism was born out of struggle for black dignity, self-reliance, progress and unity of Africa and world against racial exploitation, mass poverty, powerlessness, Neo-colonialism and imperialism. It is an idea, a social movement and a philosophy of Igwebike. Thus this paper first of all traced Africa from its scramble, colonization, Neo-colonization, imperialism, and how they put African in a very bad shape; and consequent Pan- African concept (Igwebuike), a philosophy that tried to bring Africa to a dignified position. Although Pan- Africanism has immensely given Africa sense of direction, unity and progress; a source of pride, dignity and power, this paper submits that, in order to completely alleviate the human condition in Africa and bring her to the same level with other continents we must fortify and sustain the philosophy of Igwebuike to place Africa in its rightful position on the world scenario. For the purpose of this research, the Igwebuike method of research was employed