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The world cup has come and gone and Africa can hold her head high in esteem for a job well done through one of her numerous children, South Africa. Personally, ‘am so proud of the achievement of that country that I can’t help but be envious of what they accomplished. The same South Africa that was enmeshed in racial tensions of the highest order; renowned for apartheid and political assassinations and killings have become the toast of the modern world by positively projecting everything that’s good about development and empowerment.

Within a month, the country passed in flying colours all the exams that were set for it and everyone associated with the hosting of the world cup can be proud of the eventual turn out of events. The Local Organizing Committee headed by Danny Jordan and Irvin Khoza did a great job of pulling off arguably the most exciting FIFA world cup to date. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The South African people demonstrated the highest level of patriotism and hospitality that could be expected of them. It was a wonderful experience all through.

Records were broken as first the first time in the competition’s history, a team that lost its opening match won the title in a most dramatic manner. It was also the first to be organized of the African continent. It had the highest collection of stars in attendance from the likes of home girl Charlize Theron to Leonardo di’Caprio, Tom Cruise, John Travolta etc. World leaders were not left out as my favourite; Angela Merkel of Germany graced us with her presence during the match between her country and Argentina.

While the echo of this tournament will continue to reverberate in the next few years and through history; the impact to South Africa and her citizens would be forever. The sheer magnitude of the infrastructures provided for the tournament is enough to justify the hosting. I was simply blown away when the light rail launched just in time for the kick off began operations. For me, that was the highlight of the whole competition!

Just a week into the competition, South African Finance Minister was already reeling out figures of the amount spent through Visa card alone. He pointed out the fact that the economy was already benefiting tremendously from the influx of foreigners to the country. Most significantly, over a million people came into South Africa during the duration of the World Cup and you can bet that at least 20% of those people would come back in the future. This is how countries set out to greatness by positive enhancement.

The types of infrastructures in place have not only enhanced the reputation of the country all over the world but will also improve the standard of living of the citizens. From Polokwane to Bloemfontaine, Pretoria to Port Elizabeth, Rustenburg to Nelspruit, Cape Town, to Durban to Johannesburg, the whole country was carefully covered to ensure even distribution of development and world cup experience. It was a well thought out plan that paid off and will continue to do so well into the future.

South Africa has shown the way in one way or the other to the rest of us that Africa is not a hopeless situation. What is needed is the right leadership. A leadership that is committed to national and not personal goal is what the rest of Africa need. The crust of the matter is that development is not an exclusive preserve of the Western world. It takes only a second look at the last world cup to note this.

Unlike Nigeria where anything organized by the government is seen by many as an avenue to loot and siphon public funds, proper accounts are being rendered in South Africa and the picture of went down is becoming clear to all. As at today, the benefit of the past events organized in Nigeria are yet to be ascertained, that is; nothing to show.

It is about time that we set out in Nigeria to do the right thing in the right manner and at the right time. If we continue with our current ways, it will not be long before we are permanently enthroned as the king of jesters all over the world. I join millions of my compatriots to say ‘enough is indeed enough’.

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