By Ugo Aliogo and Chidinma Okonkwo | With the concerted efforts of the governments of the Caribbean countries, the push for reparation in Africa is gradually gaining momentum.

In the midst of the myriads of challenges facing the continent of Africa, reparation struggles is one of the vital issues which has not been given the full attention by government of African States. For centuries, Africa has faced various forms of deprivations, resulting from slavery, colonialism, and neo-colonialism.

The human and material resources of the continent have been the pillaging field of the West. Political commentators have viewed reparation as an issue that is at the heart of social harmony and justice essential for man's survival. Some commentators feel that the issue has continuously been slept under the carpet by government of nations and the African Union (AU). While others are optimistic that the issue is receiving commendable attention despite some hindrances.

At the JF Ade Ajayi Memorial Lecture held in Lagos at the University of Lagos recently with the theme; 'History and the Pan Africa Nation', the issue of reparation was brought to the front burner of debate. Stakeholders at the lecture were quite optimistic that the reparation struggles were receiving remarkable progress, but much concerted efforts need to be put in place.

Speaking at the lecture, the Vice Chancellor of University of West Indies, Prof. Hilary Beckles, stated that the reparation struggle is making headway on a global scale, adding that in the Caribbeans, they people are now in the vanguard of reparation, and the government has established reparation commissions to carry out national public education and to organise historical information in order to make a compelling case.

He explained that currently, they have completed their work and submitted the findings to the government, stressing that the government is in a vintage position to make a claim to the governments of Europe on the issue. "The government of the Caribbean has written formerly to the governments of Europe calling for a summit to discuss the crimes that have been committed against the African people in the Caribbean and Africa."

Beckles expressed confidence that as advocates of the reparation struggles, they will not relent in pushing the boundaries, adding that they are expecting the government of Africa to come onboard, in spite of the divided stance of African governments over the issue.

He said African leaders are not sure what position to adopt on an issue which has caused tremendous damage on the continent's human and natural resources, "Nigeria was the largest exporter of people, who were carried across the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore Nigeria was a country that was ravaged and victimised by this crime."...READ MORE