I am Dr. Charles Apoki, a medical doctor with 40 years of experience, a social scientist, and a holder of a Master’s degree in Public Administration. My perspective is shaped by age, education, exposure, and experience. Today, I want to talk about Dele Farotimi and the “Roger Bannister Effect” as it relates to social change in Nigeria and Africa.
Roger Bannister, born on March 23, 1929, and passing on March 3, 2018, was a towering figure both literally and figuratively. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 70 kilograms as an adult, Bannister was the first man to run a mile in under four minutes, shattering a belief that had endured for years. Scientists had concluded that the human body was incapable of achieving such a feat due to the limitations of lung capacity and oxygen distribution. Yet, on May 6, 1954, Bannister defied these assumptions, completing the mile in 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds. His success was not just a personal triumph but a collaborative effort supported by his colleagues Chris Chataway and Chris Brasher.
This record-breaking moment created what I call the “Roger Bannister Effect”: once one person shatters a long-standing barrier, others soon follow. Just 46 days after Bannister’s achievement, another athlete broke the record, and the trend continued. During the 70th anniversary of this milestone, four individuals broke the four-minute mile record on the same day, proving that what once seemed impossible was now achievable by many.
This phenomenon mirrors societal evolution. For instance, after World War II, the colonized nations of Africa and Asia began to demand independence. Exposure to the vulnerabilities of their colonial masters during the war shattered the myth of invincibility that had kept these nations subjugated. The Ghanaian independence of 1957 was followed by a wave of liberation movements across the continent and beyond. Like Bannister’s achievement, this was a collective realization that independence was possible.
Dele Farotimi’s contributions to Nigeria’s judicial and social discourse represent a similar kind of breakthrough. His writings challenge entrenched systems and ignite a ripple effect of intellectual awakening and activism. Just as Bannister inspired others to break barriers in athletics, Farotimi’s boldness is motivating Nigerians to confront societal injustices and demand accountability. His groundbreaking work is a precursor to a cascade of revelations, discussions, and transformative actions in Nigeria.
Social change, much like childbirth, often involves pain, struggle, and uncertainty. The emergence of new nations and societies is often marked by resistance, bloodshed, and upheaval. Yet, these struggles birth progress. The development of the Asian Tigers—Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan—after World War II demonstrates how one nation’s advancement can inspire neighboring countries. This “Flying Geese” model of development suggests that progress is contagious, spreading from one region to another in a coordinated fashion.
In Africa, the time for transformation is now. Historical achievements, like Ethiopia’s defeat of Italian colonizers and the sophisticated urban planning of ancient Benin, remind us of the potential within our continent. Yet, realizing this potential requires an attitudinal shift. Research shows that while aptitude contributes 25% to success, attitude contributes 75%. This underscores the need for Africans to embrace a mindset of resilience, collaboration, and innovation.
Dele Farotimi’s work exemplifies this attitude. His courage and vision are setting the stage for a new era of enlightenment and accountability in Nigeria. As more individuals rise to challenge the status quo, the “Roger Bannister Effect” will continue to manifest, breaking barriers and inspiring a new wave of progress across Africa.
I urge the leaders of Africa to heed the signs of the times. Our people have been pushed too far and too hard for too long. History teaches us that when a people reach their breaking point, they become unstoppable in their quest for freedom and justice. The tide of change is coming, and it is imperative to be on the right side of history.
To my fellow Africans, especially the younger generation, the future belongs to you. It demands a commitment to innovation, determination, and collaboration. Let us honor our ancestors, who built marvels like the pyramids and the ancient city of Benin, by ensuring that we do not let down future generations. A move is coming, and I invite you to be part of it.
I am Dr. Charles Apoki, committed to raising a million African entrepreneurs and leaders. Join me on this journey of transformation. Let us build the new Africa together.
