INTERROGATION INTO THE DEFENCE OF A ‘PROBLEM – CENTRIC’ RESEARCH AGENDA FOR AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY IN THE THOUGHTS OF OGHENEKARO OGBINAKA AND ELIZABETH OLUWAFUMILAYO KEHINDE

Abstract

This paper argues very strongly against the backdrop of the thoughts of Oghenekaro Ogbinika and Elizabeth Oluwafumilayo Kehinde Elizabeth Oluwafumilayo Kehinde on their query to the problem-centric nature of African philosophy. The duo argues that African philosophy does not have what it takes to solve problems much than just cultural excavation. As such, this paper is a response to the duos argument on the nature of African philosophy. The paper argues that African philosophy by its very nature is problem – centric and goes beyond excavation of cultures. The paper using the template of Igwebuikeconomics established that it is an African theoretical framework to help solve the problem of unemployment. Igwebuikeconomics attempts to respond to the African solution to African problems. It is a quest for an African indigenous framework in the study of African Philosophy; the work will posit that the apprenticeship model of the traditional Igbo system of trading to develop the art of buying and selling through the spirit of brotherhood (Igwebuike) and the economic chain of helping one another whereby a successful trader looks towards his own community and take one or two or three persons in apprenticeship for a period of years and settle them in monetary terms and goods so that those who have learnt from him becomes independent on their own. This chain continues and continues thereby inculcating in the community economic growth and empowerment. This is what Anthony Ikechukwu Kanu calls Igwebuikeconomics. It is attempt to bring to the table as a solution to an African problem. This implies that the African in the spirit of Igwebuike an African philosophical concept developed in the study of African Philosophy draws us towards the basis of the African traditional economic system in response to a viable option for sustainable development in Africa and by extension Nigeria. This work shall implicitly respond to the weighty arguments of Western and African Philosophers who justify their beliefs that Africans have no thinking, no rationality and no philosophy. It is in the light of Igwebuikeconomics as an emerging philosophical concept in African philosophy of economics through an expository and analytical qualitative research method advances the course of an African Philosophy.