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Africa’s greatest asset may not be its natural resources or human capital alone, but the values that shape how its people use them, author Daniel Obah has said.
Obah made the assertion in his latest work, The Key to a Great Africa, where he argues that the continent’s progress will depend not only on government policies, economic development and political leadership, but also on the character and values of its people.
According to him, governments have a responsibility to provide good leadership, protect public resources and create an environment where citizens can thrive.
However, he noted that public institutions are ultimately managed by people whose decisions are influenced by their beliefs, upbringing and the values society chooses to reward.
Obah stressed that personal responsibility remains crucial to Africa’s development, noting that integrity influences how public resources are managed, while discipline affects attitudes towards work and respect for others contributes to stronger communities.
He added that a culture of service, rather than exploitation, could also help shape responsible leadership across the continent.
The author said the same philosophy underpins his other books, Ade, Obi and Amina: A Value Reorientation Story and Think and Live (Wisdom Capsules).
While Ade, Obi and Amina focuses on younger readers, Think and Live examines how thoughts, choices and behaviour influence individuals.
Obah said both works reflect his belief that the future of Africa would be determined, to a significant extent, by the kind of people society raises.
He also pointed to his work through the Value Reorientation and Developmental Initiative Africa (VARDIAFRICA), which focuses on youth-oriented programmes and community activities aimed at promoting values beyond the pages of books.
According to him, the Africa Value Awards was also established from the same philosophy, with the initiative recognising individuals and organisations contributing to education, youth development, humanitarian service, peaceful coexistence and the advancement of Africa.
He said recognising such contributions was important because societies were shaped not only by what they rejected, but also by what they chose to celebrate.
Obah particularly emphasised the influence of societal values on young people, arguing that celebrating integrity, service and responsible leadership could help redefine society’s understanding of success.
He, however, warned that celebrating wealth and influence without considering how they were acquired could send a negative message to younger generations.
The author acknowledged that Africa would need investment, effective leadership, strong public institutions and economic opportunities to achieve sustainable development.
He maintained that these investments could fail to deliver their full potential if the values guiding the people responsible for implementing them remained weak.
Obah therefore argued that the central question should not only be whether Africa has enough resources to prosper, but whether its people are developing the character required to use those resources responsibly.
He described this as the foundation of his vision for building what he termed “a great Africa.”
