Pastor Okafor: Why Africa needs leaders like Ibrahim Traore

Nigerian pastor Dr Chris Okafor says African countries need leaders like Burkina Faso’s Head of State, Ibrahim Traore, for the development of the continent.

Okafor said African nations look more certain to realise their dreams of rapid cultural and socio-economic development if they make a conscious effort to groom and cultivate leaders like Traore.

Traore who seized power in a military coup that swept through the country in September 2022 has since won over many admirers within and outside his country with his pragmatic, welfarist, and revolutionary approach to leadership.

Speaking while expounding on his message titled, “The Powers and Struggles Of Fathers,” to mark the ‘Fathers’ Day’ celebrations last Sunday at the Grace Nation Church International in Lagos, Okafor said he saw Traore’s emergence in Burkina Faso as a blessing, as well as the much needed catalyst that will revolutionise the concept of leadership in Africa.

Okafor said: “Africa has suffered so much deprivation and has underachieved for so long despite its embarrassing wealth in human and natural resources.

“Years of corruption, political instability and poor leadership have all combined to rob the continent of the opportunity to take her rightful place amongst the world’s elite continents with the wherewithal to dictate global affairs.

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“That is why it is heartwarming to see someone like Ibrahim Traore -a 37-year old and the world’s second youngest president – point the way to a new Africa that we all should be proud of.

“Since taking over the leadership of his country, he has demonstrated a commitment to change the old narrative of poor governance through service that directly impacts the lives of those he rules over.

“He has stabilised the country by making sure it is protected against jihadist insurgency, built the country’s gold refining capacity and increased the job acquisition ratio of the unemployed, thereby helping to boost the economy.

“His actions in government clearly shows vision, courage, and capacity – attributes which appear to be scarce commodities amongst African leaders in recent memory.

“I am, therefore, convinced that the continent can make faster progress in terms of effectively harnessing it’s huge potentials if young, vibrant leaders like Traore can be encouraged, nurtured, and supported to reach the highest office in their various countries, not necessarily through coup d’etats, but through a structured, transparent democratic process.”

The Star