AN APPRAISAL OF MIGRATION AND THE ISSUE OF AFRICAN IDENTITY

Abstract

The issue of African identity is not a strange one at all. In fact, it has been the most relevant discussion in African philosophy. The question of African identity bothers on who is an African? Nkrumah of Ghana said that whoever that is not proud of his colour is not fit to live, when we hear African identity what comes to mind is the colour, the race, the breed and language even our culture plays an important role in showing who we are as Africans. Migration is a process of social change where an individual, alone or accompanied by others, because of one or more reasons of economic betterment, political upheaval, education or other purposes, leaves one geographical area for prolonged stay or permanent settlement in another geographical area. Most times when the people move, do they actually move with their true identity as Africans? When they actually get to their desire destinations, are they actually bold to identify themselves as true Africans? It is in the light of this that this research aims at reviewing the philosophical effects of migration on African identity. The research relies on conceptual analysis approach. This method involves clarification of concepts and critical analysis of ideas and beliefs. The research concludes that migration has two sides which are positive and negative effects.