Watching Obama in Kenya, I’m brought to think about the African story and Nigeria’s place in this world. Despite many of our self-styled and self-proclaimed heroes and founding figures, Nigeria is yet to figure out a unifying culture and purpose which if taught to our children would enable peace and prosperity, moulding our country into a global sphere of influence, a voice to be reckoned with on the world stage.

DAYS before President Muhammadu Buhari embarked on his official visit to America at the invitation of the US President, Barack Obama, many Nigerians appeared anxious. It was clear they could not be sure what would be the outcome of that visit. Their anxiety level had been raised by some commentators who could neither see nor be bothered by what the trip would achieve.

YOU wouldn’t be off the mark to conclude that President Barack Obama’s greatest nightmare is what to do to preserve his signature law, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), from being overturned by Republican legislators with their majority in Congress; or that he dreads losing momentum in the economic near-miracle he has achieved in America; or how to ensure that a fellow Democrat succeeds him in office. None of these is true.

Thank you for transporting the grand recollections, hopes and outlook that we shared during our days in what we knew as the greatest citadel of learning in Africa. In search for greener pastures, shortly after we left Obafemi Awolowo University, I stumbled on a closely held secret. Our academic curriculum was enormously designed by and after the University of Michigan.

I AM interested in President Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to the United States last week not because of the over N2 billion allegedly spent or the long retinue of aides that tagged along with the official delegates. I am not interested in whatever controversy arose from the trip or the brick bats in the social media.