The African Union’s High Representative For infrastructure Development, Raila Odinga on Sunday said Africa was the richest continent but sadly has the poorest of people in terms of their living conditions.
He had suggested in a tweet that the current predicament of Africa should ensure that it comes out of the current coronavirus pandemic more organized and effective in processing its raw natural resources and not export them.
Odinga who is also a former Prime minister of Kenya said “Africa is the richest continent on earth with regard to raw materials. The paradox is that it is also the poorest in terms of the living conditions of its people.
The post Covid-19 era creates opportunities for job creation in manufacturing, service sector including ICT, food production and infrastructure development.”
He continued to say that “Instead of exporting iron ore, copper ore, bauxite, we must export steel products, copper cables, bars, sheets and aluminium.”
“Even gold, diamonds and crude oil should never leave Africa as raw materials for industries in other continents. Africa has a historic opportunity, born out of a historic tragedy, to put an end to our tradition of importing everything and producing nothing,” he concluded.
Africa is the richest continent on earth with regard to raw materials. The paradox is that it is also the poorest in terms of the living conditions of its people. 1/4
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) April 26, 2020
Sharp criticisms
But his comments were met with ridicule and mockery by social media users who blamed him for the plights of Kenyans.
Some users suggested that it is African leaders including Odinga himself that have caused the plights of Africans.
Many of them were not ready to appreciate the top AU official’s admonishment to Africans.
It’s not a paradox, even a fool knows Africa can’t progress because of people like you, kenyatta’s, moi’s…who milk a country dry to see the others languish in poverty, as you sip 1st class coffee in the senerity of your balconies enjoying a fresh breeze.
— Ace of Diamonds (@QueenHalma) April 26, 2020
It’s poor because the Fiongosi are Greedy, Corrupt, Dishonest, Murderers and Sellfish!
— BRAVIN YURI (@BravinYuri) April 26, 2020
Selfish and greedy leaders like you make this continent poor
— Layman (@BinKaranja) April 26, 2020
These people have been in power for far too long. There’s nothing new they are offering. That’s my point. We can’t keep recycling leaders like this and expect to move forward.
— AMG (@Awuor__) April 26, 2020
I here you’ were the mp kibra for 25 years and nothing changed…. You contribute to poor living conditions in Kenya 100%. Joho can beat you in matters leadership
— kimori Geoffrey (@kimori_geoffrey) April 26, 2020
One philosopher said that,”Give Africans freedom and they won’t lead liberate themselves from poverty.
Our Leaders including you are just tumbocrats who are after self gain and they can’t even come up to the rescue of Wanjiku,Akinyi, Kiplagat out here. Shame on you— Onyimbo Jay (@JayOnyimbo) April 26, 2020
After being outsmart by Joho at statehouse you quickly turn yourself into AU envoy on infrastructure. You are one of the main obstacle towards genuine innovation & youth empowerment. Good article from a wrong person!
— GHETTO CHILD (@OfMouthpiece) April 26, 2020
Source: Africafeeds.com
