Set in contemporary Africa, Fathers of Nations is a satirical novel by Paul B. Vitta that critiques the continent’s leadership, political dysfunction, and failed promises of development. The novel follows four disillusioned men from different African countries—Professor Kimani (Kenya), Comrade Melusi (Zimbabwe), Pastor Chiamaka (Nigeria), and Engineer Tahir (Libya)—each of whom has suffered under their respective governments. They are brought together by the Agency for Governance and Development in Africa (AGDA), an organization seeking to introduce Path Alpha, a new strategy to reform Africa’s governance.

The story unfolds as these men travel to Banjul, Gambia, where a summit of African heads of state is being held. The leaders are expected to endorse Way Omega, a development strategy backed by international donors. However, Path Alpha, a rival strategy that challenges the status quo, is secretly being pushed forward by AGDA. The four men are guided by Dr. Abiola Afolabi, a Nigerian scholar-turned-political advisor who is torn between his official role of supporting Way Omega and his secret sympathy for Path Alpha.

Each of the four men carries personal grievances against the current systems: Professor Kimani lost his daughter due to poor infrastructure and was abandoned by his wife for a politician; Comrade Melusi's wife was killed in a government crackdown, and he was exiled from political leadership; Pastor Chiamaka was jailed and banned from preaching for criticizing the government; and Engineer Tahir lost his eye in a personal and political betrayal by the Libyan leader.

As the summit unfolds, AGDA’s operatives attempt to infiltrate the discussions and have Path Alpha considered. However, the summit itself descends into chaos, reflecting the incompetence and corruption of African leadership. A method committee is formed to decide between Way Omega and Path Alpha, but the decision-making process is farcical, ultimately relying on a coin toss. To the surprise of many, Path Alpha is chosen.

However, this supposed victory is overshadowed by the disorder of the summit. Fights break out, security forces intervene, and the event ends in confusion. The novel closes with a powerful critique of Africa’s leadership—despite the choice of Path Alpha, the deeply entrenched corruption and self-interest of those in power leave its implementation uncertain.

Through biting satire, Fathers of Nations exposes the failures of post-independence African leaders and questions whether real change is possible under the current systems.

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