It is rather very unfortunate that in Africa, where the dignity of man used to be the essence of life, we now have such a fear of freedom. There is no doubt that gruesome events in the past (such as slavery, colonization and apartheid) have contributed to our current tribal wars and mass poverty.

     Since the present is so ugly, the people of Nigeria, particularly the young, need to be made aware of the great blessings of individual rights and economic freedom – if we are to build a free society and see a brighter tomorrow.

     In particular we need to explain the role of property rights, the right of individuals to acquire and fully control property, as being central to the creation of free societies.

     Following my attendance at the last ISIL Conference in Dax, France last year, I was even more inspired and determined to actualize liberty and bring about prosperity in my homeland, Nigeria, by helping to popularize libertarian ideas.

     So upon my return I founded the Individual Libertarian Network of Nigeria (ILN). The first step was to gather together individuals of like minds, so I contacted a few vibrant youths with whom I had worked in some youth-empowerment projects in the past: John Bosco, an environmentalist/political economist, Oji Amogu, a psychologist, George Amecchi a humanitarian activist, and others. We started with an initial membership of 8 people, and after only six months we can now boast 56 active members!

     We have taken up the challenge of organizing and presenting papers in various youth forums – such as seminars and workshops on university campuses. We have also taken the message directly to various communities, both urban and rural. This outreach program has been quite successful in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. The ILN mobilization Director John Bosco Merole and George Amechi are to be credited with the successes recorded here. This is an oil region where multinational oil companies pay rich royalties to the government. Little of this wealth, however, is seen by the populace and there is heavy pollution. The young people, outraged at this, have protested and resorted to acts of violence – even to the extent of killing and abducting expatriates who work for the multinationals.

     The ILN in these areas has been able to influence the youths regarding the need to adopt a proper, peaceful approach to addressing these problems – without resorting to violence and the destruction of life and property. This project is proving to be successful because we have a practical organization – and we have arranged meetings to bring together the youths of these communities with federal, state and local government officials. The government is gradually recognizing the need for economic empowerment and the privatization of government properties. In fact, some of these groups are already in the Supreme Court challenging the Federal government on issues of resource control and property rights.

     The idea is to influence government policies, to uphold free trade, to discourage high tariffs and policies that limit property rights and economic freedom.

     The recently concluded Global Walk for Capitalism (December 2, 2001) was proof of our success. The "Walk," which we organized in Lagos, attracted 80 participants and resulted in wonderful press coverage. 20 people joined ILN that day!

     Presently, we are planning a Libertarian Youth Camp in September 2002. We anticipate that this camp will attract over 150 youths from various communities and backgrounds. We have invited Stefan Metzeler, an astute libertarian (and an ISIL Rep for Switzerland, Ed.) from Switzerland whom I met at the ISIL/LI conference in Dax, France. He has since indicated his readiness to come to Nigeria to deliver papers on several libertarian topics.

     Our activities have been good so far – due in part to the exposure ISIL has given me – and the unwavering support from my good friend Ken Schoolland has been wonderful. We've been engaged in serious negotiations with potential publishers of the Nigerian edition of The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible: A Free Market Odyssey. Libertarian audiotape donations by Jim Turney have also been of wonderful assistance to ILN.

     The campaign also has its own constraints which include resistance by the existing oligarchy. They prefer to maintain the status-quo and are doing all they can to make sure that no change occurs.

     It has also not been easy financially because of the great costs of mobilizing people and sponsoring activities to awaken their consciousness. We are hampered in our work because we lack computers and Internet services – and a good libertarian library.

     However, we just have to keep the flame alive for the absolute emancipation of our people, greater economic freedom, and the eradication of poverty. Truly, freedom is prosperity, and prosperity is our goal.

Agwu Amogu, Lagos, Nigeria
amogu51@hotmail.com

NOTE: We are attempting to either locate a computer or raise funds so that Agwu may purchase one in Lagos. Donations to this project are welcome – and are tax deductible in the USA.