The Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Bingham University, Karu, Dr. Desmond Okocha, has said that Western development models cannot effectively address the unique challenges facing African nations.
Speaking during the induction of new members of the Institute of Leadership and Development Communications (ILDC) in Abuja on Monday, Okocha — who also serves as the President of the Institute — stressed that Africa must develop and apply homegrown solutions rooted in its own realities and cultural context.
“We have discovered from our findings, in collaboration with universities and national organisations, that the repeated adoption of Eurocentric development models will never truly develop the African continent — because to copy is not equal to the original,” he said.
The associate professor emphasised that genuine progress requires accountability, cultural consciousness, and the promotion of “Africanness” in leadership and governance.
“You cannot use American or European solutions to solve African problems. Every model carries the spirit of its origin. We must indigenise our problems, our solutions, and our successes,” he stated.
Okocha disclosed that 20 new members were inducted into the institute under the categories of fellows, members, and associates. He also urged governments at all levels to embrace data-driven communication as a tool to combat misinformation, improve transparency, and ensure effective resource distribution.
“We appeal to those in authority to uphold transparency, credibility, and merit in managing human and natural resources. That’s how governance becomes efficient and sustainable,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Gabriel Nyitse, Associate Professor of Journalism and Media Studies at Bingham University, praised the institute’s growth and noted that the pre-induction training exposed participants to emerging global trends such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology in media practice.
“The training offered participants fresh insights into how technology and AI can shape the future of media and communication,” Nyitse said.
Also speaking, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Special Assistant on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Fidelis Unongo, expressed the state’s readiness to collaborate with the institute in the area of communication capacity building.
“Communication is key to governance. How we communicate our policies and programmes to the people of Benue State matters greatly. We look forward to partnering with your institute to improve our communication structures,” the governor said.
Experts at the event reiterated that Western-style solutions often fail in Africa because they neglect the continent’s distinct cultural, historical, and economic contexts. They echoed the long-standing call for “African solutions to African problems,” a concept popularised by Ghanaian economist George Ayittey, advocating for African-led development that reflects indigenous realities rather than external prescriptions.
