By: Manoah Kikekon
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Dr. Temidayo Hephzibah, the CEO of Heritage Promotions and guest speaker at Felabration 2026 organised by SAFARI+ has called on African nations to actively work toward achieving true socio-economic and political independence.
Speaking on Day 3 of the cultural festival held at the O2 Oxygen Bar along the Badagry waterfront, Dr. Hephzibah emphasized that African countries currently possess only territorial independence, leaving economic sovereignty largely unfulfilled.
Highlighting the disparity between territorial sovereignty and full economic autonomy, Dr. Hephzibah stressed the need for systemic reform across the continent:
"By the time we chased the Europeans away from our land, we gained territorial independence. However, real independence encompasses both political and economic autonomy. Today, the economies of African nations cannot function self-sufficiently without foreign powers dictating terms. This reality shows that Africans are not yet truly free."
He further noted that traditional African socio-economic structures were self-sustaining prior to colonial intervention, adding.
"Before the advent of European rule, we had functional systems where issues like unemployment were non-existent. We must revisit and adopt these native systems to build true independence."
The event also featured a performance by musician and tourism practitioner Corner-Stone, who delivered a song calling on Africans to embrace their identity and honour their heritage:
"Africans must appreciate themselves and remember the greatness of our forefathers before colonial rule," Cornerstone stated.
Also present is Tuburu Blessing Enera, the winner of Miss Culture Badagry International 2025.
The grand finale of Felabration Badagry 2026 is scheduled to take place from Saturday, October 17, to Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the O2 Beach Castle, Suntan Beach, Badagry.