Former President Goodluck Jonathan and renowned Pan-Africanist Prof. Patrick Lumumba have called for urgent measures to reposition Africa for self-reliance, stronger governance systems, and greater global relevance. They stressed that no nation commands respect from a position of weakness. The elder statesmen spoke in Yenagoa during the plenary session of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch Law Week 2026. Jonathan served as Chairman of the occasion, while Prof. Lumumba delivered the keynote address on the theme, “Securing the Future.”
Jonathan’s Call for Justice and Institutional Strength
In his remarks, Jonathan urged legal practitioners and the judiciary to strengthen justice systems, institutions, and legal values. He described these as foundational pillars for national development and stability. According to him, the Bench and the Bar remain critical custodians of Nigeria’s legal and governance framework. “Our future can only be secured when justice is stronger than power, institutions are stronger than individuals, and the law protects both the powerful and the vulnerable equally,” he said.
The former president also called for sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s education system. He argued that the country still largely operates within a colonial-era structure that limits innovation and development. Jonathan noted that although Africa is richly endowed with natural resources, it remains disproportionately poor. He cited global wealth data indicating that the continent holds about 30 per cent of the world’s mineral resources but accounts for only about 1.3 per cent of global household wealth. He lamented that rather than driving prosperity, many of Africa’s resources have become sources of conflict and instability.
Investment in Science and Technology
Jonathan stressed the need for increased investment in science, technology, and innovation. He recalled his administration’s scholarship programme aimed at developing high-level expertise abroad. He further observed that while Nigeria has nuclear and satellite programmes, they require greater development and strategic investment. “We have a nuclear programme in this country. We have satellite programmes. But they are not growing. By now, we should be producing missiles. Nobody respects you if you are not strong,” he said.
Lumumba’s Keynote: Break Dependency Mindsets
Prof. Lumumba, in his keynote address, criticised Africa’s exclusion from key global decisions concerning its resources. He argued that discussions about the continent’s wealth are often conducted outside Africa without adequate African participation. He challenged African nations to build technological capacity, strengthen institutions, and deepen regional integration to safeguard their resources and future. “How can we secure our resources if we do not have the technological capacity to protect them?” he asked.
Lumumba called for a break from colonial-era dependency mindsets. He urged African leaders to prioritise unity, free movement of goods and services, and harmonised regulatory systems across the continent. He maintained that Africa’s global relevance would remain limited unless it becomes stronger and more self-reliant. “If you are weak, nobody respects you. Until Africa becomes strong, we will never be taken seriously,” he said.
Appreciation and Way Forward
In his vote of thanks, Chairman of the NBA Yenagoa Branch, Clement Kekemeke, described the theme as timely. He noted that securing Africa’s future extends beyond legal practice to national security, governance, and the protection of collective assets. He expressed appreciation to dignitaries and stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and other industry and institutional leaders who participated in the event. Kekemeke reaffirmed that the discussions would contribute to shaping strategies for sustainable management of Africa’s resources and long-term development.
