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October is a month of celebration to a number of African countries as it marks the day of their nation’s independence.

October 1, 1960 – Nigeria
October 2, 1958 – Guinea
October 4, 1966 – Lesotho
October 9, 1962 – Uganda
October 12, 1968 – Equatorial Guinea
October 24, 1964 – Zambia

The Scramble for Africa began during the New Imperialism era (1880 – 1914, World War 1st)  It was during this time, the European colonial powers decided to divide Africa amongst themselves. It goes without saying that our people have been fighting for independence and equality since then.  Almost the entire continent was strategically colonised with the exception of Liberia which became a colony of freed slaves from the United States and Ethiopia, who fought off the Italians to remain a free nation. 

Our nations may be celebrating independence year after year, but we have yet to resurrect and reclaim the mother land. It doesn’t matter where we are in the world, all young Africans of today ought to know and be passionate about at least our nation of origin. We need to spread out an active movement of knowing about our past in order to equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge and march forward as the leaders of tomorrow.  We need to hold on to the language, culture and heritage of our forefathers and mothers who fought for independence.

In this day and age, every war is fought with knowledge.  We must educate ourselves and be warriors of knowledge.  We must work as one to prosper with our dignity intact and give independence a whole new meaning. Make every day of your life an opportunity to celebrate and be proud of your African heritage.  If we don’t, who will? Happy Independence Nigeria, Guinea, Lesotho, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea and Zambia!
It was after the Second World War that the active process of decolonising Africa started. Colonisation has in fact had a huge impact on the African continent.  Yes, it may have introduced modern technology and western civilization, but it has also hindered the progress and development of Africa for generations.  The amount of discrimination and unjust practice on our people has cause lasting psychological scars on several generations.