Deputy Registrar/Head of Junior Staff Personnel at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria.
NOT YET UHURU The phrase Not yet Uhuru, derived from Swahili where Uhuru.signifies freedom or independence, implies that despite the strides made, genuine liberation remains unfulfilled. Widely credited to Oginga Odinga—a prominent Kenyan politician and independence advocate—the term served as the title of his 1967 autobiography. In this work, Odinga argued that although Kenya had attained independence, the governance under Jomo Kenyatta mirrored the oppression of the former colonial regime. The renowned South African musician Letta Mbulu also titled one of her songs with this phrase. Not yet Uhuru communicates the notion that complete freedom or independence is still unattained. It generally underscores the perspective that political independence from colonial powers is insufficient without the comprehensive realization of social, economic, and political justice and empowerment for all individuals. In the practical context of our daily activities, the phrase Not yet Uhuru signifies the ongoing endeavors and struggles across various facets of our lives. It also emphasizes the recognition that, although progress can be achieved, the pursuit of complete freedom or fulfillment requires ongoing effort. Joe Ejiofor
