Fifty-seven years ago, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was formed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the primary aims of encouraging political and economic integration among member states, as well as eradicating colonialism and neo-colonialism from the African continent.
It is why in his foundational speech, the OAU first President went further, to set the organization's agenda by prioritizing the total freedom of all African countries as a matter of paramount importance for the African continent to achieve total freedom.
Another, towering founding leader of the OAU, the illustrious first President of Ghana, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah solidified this fundamental agenda of ultimate African emancipation as an OAU priority when he emphatically declared, "Seek ye first the political kingdom and all else shall be added onto you."
As a free and sovereign nation, we acknowledge the pivotal role played by numerous African leaders who provided political, material and moral support towards the freedom and independence of our country.
Through the OAU's steadfast leadership and support, many African countries have achieved political freedom and the restoration of dignity and pride amongst African people.
