Davos: A paradox of contradictions?

Much Ado About Davos.

Davos is a municipality in the district of Prättigau/Davos in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It has a permanent population of 11,156. Davos is located on the Landwasser River, in the Swiss Alps, between the Plessur and Albula Range. Switzerland is foremost for their advanced time piece technology. Very few places can boast of Switzerland's superior craftsmanship. The Omega Speedmaster worn on the moon during the Apollo missions is of Swiss heritage. In terms of value, Switzerland is responsible for half of the world production of watches. The Gotthard Rail Tunnel connecting the southern canton of Ticino, the longest in the world at the time. Today, Swiss continue to lead the way in railway technology and infrastructure. The annual conference organised by the World Economic Forum is at the time of writing this post underway in Davos. With this enviable footprint and pedigree, could there be anything else worthy of note about the Swiss and the annual cantata at Davos? 

The tale of Swiss Safe banks

Did I just omit one of the key outstanding achievements of the Swiss? You bet I did. Switzerland is home to the world's safest banks. If you have been around long enough, especially if you are a Nigerian like me, chances are that you have heard of the dexterity of the Swiss when it comes to safe keeping of money and other items of value. This is where anybody who is anybody in my country stash their cash hard earned or stolen. It is a stale gist if I begin to tell you my reader of the many "moneycades" (think escapades) of certain individuals in the Nigerian polity who plundered and continue to loot the nations treasury. I am not suggesting this. I am merely referring to documented history and facts. I recommend that you contact the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its related agencies for a dossier of such transactions.

No aspersions intended.

My intention is not to cast aspersions on the noble intentions of the World Economic Forum as it is annually held in Davos, Switzerland. Knowing that a similar event will be hosted in Abuja; the Capital city of my country later this year is a delight. Such is my joy that at least we are good enough to attract the creme de la creme of the world to our shores. Nigeria quota of Foreign Direct Investment (FDIs) was the biggest last year. This is in spite of our bad name and sinister reputation. But, hey! I guess we have a lot to be grateful for. 

The price of crayfish

So why bring Davos into the subject of our woes as a people? Is it fair to say that there is case of aiding and abetting here? Is there any grain of truth in the thinking that Africa is a victim of a conspiracy as touted by many? That those who call us friends are just using us for their own cause? That they like us the way we are even though they claim to have our good interests at heart? That they are eager to provide a safe haven to those who plunder our resources and turn around talking about transparency? If you are willing to accept stolen items (even for safekeeping), what does that make you?

Still on Afro-placebo 

Let it be on record, that the African enterprise must rise from the shackles of delusion and embrace our God given destiny. The elders say that because all Lizards lie on their bellies, its difficult to know which one has stomach upset. This is true. Salutation is not equal to love. To expect another person to develop your own farm for you at no cost is the height of foolishness. We need all the help we can get as it is but we should know better now that our outcome is in our hands. We must not be fooled to think the world revolves around us. Our choices as a people, the people who rule us must step up to the plate and quit playing to the gallery. The future is no longer a distant  prospect. We must set forth at dawn. Africa must rise.

Image Credit: Google.