Conduct research online to identify a modern African nation that was once controlled

Question

by a European imperial power. Review additional information to help you identify a
specific political, economic, or social challenge that nation faced after independence.
Explain how post-colonial leaders used problem-solving skills to address this issue.
Modern African nation and its year of
independence:

Answer 1

One modern African nation that was once controlled by a European imperial power is Nigeria, which gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

Political, Economic, or Social Challenge

After gaining independence, Nigeria faced several significant challenges. One of the most pressing issues was ethnic and regional tensions, exacerbated by historical divisions created during colonial rule. The British employed a policy of "divide and rule," favoring certain ethnic groups over others, which deepened existing rivalries. After independence, these tensions manifested in political instability, leading to coups, civil wars, and regional conflicts.

Post-Colonial Leadership and Problem-Solving Skills

Nigerian leaders, particularly during the early years of independence, recognized that addressing these ethnic divisions was crucial for national unity. One notable leader was Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria's first Governor-General and later President. While his government faced numerous challenges, including a coup in 1966 and subsequent conflicts, various leaders attempted to address the ethnic tension in different ways:

1. Federalism: Following independence, one of the strategies used to mitigate ethnic tensions was the establishment of a federal system of governance. This decentralized power and allowed different regions (dominated by various ethnic groups) to have a degree of self-governance. By establishing states based on ethnic regions, leaders aimed to give various groups a sense of ownership over their governance and representation in national affairs.

2. National Integration Policies: The government promoted policies aimed at fostering national unity. For example, protocols were introduced to encourage inter-ethnic marriages and migration across different regions. Efforts were also made to promote national education programs highlighting the shared history and culture among Nigeria's diverse groups to promote a sense of belonging.

3. Economic Development Programs: Leaders undertook initiatives to improve economic conditions through diversification and development programs, such as the establishment of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 1977, aiming to utilize oil wealth for national development. Successful economic management was viewed as a unifying force that could transcend ethnic boundaries by addressing the basic needs of the populace regardless of ethnicity.

4. Peacekeeping and Reconciliation Initiatives: After the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), leaders such as General Yakubu Gowon promoted the idea of "no victor, no vanquished" to foster reconciliation. The government organized integration efforts and reconciliation programs aimed at healing the wounds of the civil war and restoring trust among various ethnic groups.

Conclusion

Despite these efforts, Nigeria has continued to face challenges related to ethnic tensions and national integration. However, the strategies employed by leaders in the post-colonial era to address these issues reflect a conscious effort to utilize problem-solving skills in navigating the complexities of a diverse nation built on a legacy of colonial division. While the journey has been fraught with difficulties, these approaches set the foundation for ongoing dialogues around national identity and unity.