Question 1 : – Please could you introduce yourself ?
My name is Nnamdi Chukwuka, I am SOAD’s Minister of Culture. A Graduate Member of The British Psychology Society (MBPS) researching over the past five years in the area of Behavioral Finance. I am what is called in my culture an FBI – Full Blooded Igbo.I come from a small but proud town in Anambra State Nigeria called Oba. My passion for African Culture and Heritage knows no limits and has been nurtured over the past 25 years through my association with The Africa Centre – London, one of the most respected institutions on African Culture in the United Kingdom. It has been through my association with Africa Centre that I came to understand the critical role that cultural celebration plays in bringing communities together and developing a sense of belonging and acceptance.I feel privileged to serve SOAD in the role of Culture Minister and look forward to working to make our rich African Culture more accessible to the Diaspora.
Question 2 : – What is your vision of Panafricanism ?
Pan – Africanism is a worldwide movement that aims to encourage and strengthen bonds of solidarity between all indigenous and diaspora ethnic groups of African descent. Based on a common goal dating back to the Atlantic slave trade, the movement extends beyond continental Africans with a substantial support base among the African diaspora in the Americas and Europe.
Pan-Africanism can be said to have its origins in the struggles of the African people against enslavement and colonization and this struggle may be traced back to the first resistance on slave ships—rebellions and suicides—through the constant plantation and colonial uprisings and the “Back to Africa” movements of the 19th century. Based on the belief that unity is vital to economic, social and political progress and aims to “unify and uplift” people of African descent.
Pan-Africanism stresses the need for “collective self-reliance”.Pan-Africanism exists as a governmental and grassroots objective. Pan-African advocates include leaders such as Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Haile Selassie, Julius Nyerere, Ahmed Sékou Touré, Kwame Nkrumah,,Thomas Sankara, Muammar Gaddafi, and Nelson Mandela. Grassroots organizers such as Joseph Robert Love, Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X, academics such as W. E. B. Du Bois, Anténor Firmin and others in the diaspora.
At its core, Pan-Africanism is a belief that “African people, both on the continent and in the diaspora, share not merely a common history, but a common destiny”. Pan-Africanist intellectual, cultural and political movements tend to view all Africans and descendants of Africans as belonging to a single “race” and sharing cultural unity.
My vision therefore is of an African Diaspora reunited with Africa in a tangible and demonstrative way. This I believe can be best achieved via the success of SOAD as a fully functioning state.
Question 3 : – Who is your favourite character in Pan-african history, and why?
Without question or equivocation it is and will always be Nelson Mandela. When he straddled the world stage was when I felt proudest to be African. He gave new meaning to the term an African Leader and new dignity to the role of an African Head of State. Africa has indeed been blessed with many great leaders such as Nkrumah of Ghana, Nyerere of Tanzania and Azikiwe of Nigeria – collectively known as the Lions of Africa – but for me Mandela stands alone as the greatest example of selfless leadership.
Question 4 : – With the onset of technology and investment in Africa, how do you see Africa in the 21st Century ?
With the onset of Technology, investment and innovation I see Africa as the eye of the storm with regards to advances in Agriculture, FinTech, Mobile Technology, Renewable energy Technology and most importantly in my view access to free Digital Education and resources. We will leapfrog the West and other parts of the world to become the leaders of an agile and educated population. We are as most will confirm the youngest continent on the planet and that energy coming from our youth will see us rise to reaffirm our status as the leading continent in all the aforementioned sectors.
Question 5 : – What initiatives and projects have manifested through your position within the State of the African Diaspora ?
Currently The Ministry of Culture is active in helping plan The Pan African Bicycle Tour, The competition to select an anthem for SOAD. This project is being undertaken with the collaboration of the Chineke! Foundation of the UK founded by Chi-Chi Nwanoku – the only all Black Orchestra in Europe. The establishment of a Culture Badge that will endorse Cultural events Globally. The implementation of The African Diaspora Global Festival of Arts and Culture. We are also in partnership with a project in the UK to develop “Africa Town” which will provide a much needed Hub for African led business to establish a strong foothold in the City of London.
Question 6 : – What are you planning to do in the future for the State of the African Diaspora ?
I am planning to build stronger Cultural ties between the Caribbean and Africa, South America and Africa and of course Europe and Africa. I plan to put in place programmes of cultural exchange and to work to support other Ministries like Families, Education and Spot as I feel they all overlap with Culture. It is my considered opinion that Artistic and cultural activities offer opportunities for social engagement, enjoyment, learning, meaning and self-actualisation.The talented African musicians, poets and artists in our communities will help SOAD deliver authentic cultural experiences that broaden the horizons for young people. Through culture I intend to contect Africa with the Diaspora and the Diaspora with Africa. I look forward to serving you all as Minister of Culture.
