Prof Esther Akinlabi Director PAULESI, second left flanked by students of the Institute celebrating Africa Day 2021
Prof. Esther Akinlabi, Director, Pan-African University for Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), has urged Africans to renew their commitment to realising the dream of the continent.
Akinlabi stated this at an event organised to celebrate Africa Day 2021, with the theme: “Art, Culture and Heritage.”
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, Akinlabi noted that cultural heritage could provide an automatic sense of unity and belonging to a group of people.
She said that this could allow Africans to understand previous generations and the genealogy of the continent.
“Understanding our cultural heritage gives us a sense of personal identity. We are proudly Africans! We need to be united to achieve the aspirations of Africa’s agenda.
“Since the birth of African Union in 1963 till date, Africa, as a continent, has continued to strive for peace and unity among its member-states,” Akinlabi said.
The don noted that with Africa’s rich culture, many across the continent have shared how they used their food, plants and herbs to combat COVID-19.
According to her, COVID-19 has killed more than three million people across the globe, but it remains a mystery why the figures are low on the African continent compared with the rest of the world.
“My thoughts are with the families that have lost their loved ones and friends to the pandemic.
“Together, let us continue to unite as we fight this common enemy. Let us continue to do our best by adhering to COVID-19 protocols of wearing face masks and maintaining hand washing and social distancing.
“As part of our social responsibilities to our community, PAULESI distributed liquid soap and hand sanitisers to encourage people to practise hygiene,” she said.
Akinlabi, however, enjoined students of the institute to continue to be good ambassadors of their respective states and live in harmony with one another.
“At PAULESI, we are a unique institution. Africa day means so much to us because we represent and practise Pan Africanism, with representations from all AU member-states.
“Practise `Ubuntu’ and draw strength from our diversity,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Africa Day is celebrated May 25 of every year.