Dr. Valentine Obinyan

In the annals of African history, the effects of colonialism remain deeply
entrenched, shaping the political, economic, and social landscapes of the continent. While many African nations gained their independence in the mid-20th century, the legacies of colonial rule have endured, manifesting in various forms, including neocolonialism. Neocolonialism refers to the indirect influence and control exerted by former colonial powers or external entities over the political and economic affairs of postcolonial
nations1. This phenomenon has had a profound impact on African countries, with Nigeria serving as a poignant case study. As one of the most populous and resource-rich countries in Africa, Nigeria has faced numerous challenges in its quest for national development. The echoes of neocolonialism reverberate through the intricate web of institutions and
systems that govern the nation. Institutions play a crucial role in shaping the political, economic, and social dimensions of a country, and understanding their dynamics within the context of neocolonial influences is essential for comprehending Nigeria's complex journey since gaining independence.

This study was carried out on the distorted images of African continent: a Heideggerian interpretation. To achieve this significant research objectivewere formulated, which is to showcase and bring to “more” conscious awareness the varied distorted images with which Africans are labeled. The study covered the whole of African continent, especially the black Africans, bearing in mind that some Africans like Egyptians are white in complexion. The history of African is relevant to the history of Black people throughout the world, and partly because of the general derogatory image “Africans” and Black people everywhere have inherited from Western history. The study adopted the expository, analytical and hermeneutical design. Hence the study analyzed the Martin Heidegger: The Question Of “Being”, the fundamental ontology: Dasein analytic, his methodology, and Heidegger’s concept of phenomenology and interpretation. The study in the chapter four analyzed African Distorted Images, the causes of African predicament which include; Geographico, Historico, and Colonialism. Additionally, phenomenological interpretations of African distorted images was also part of the study. In conclusion, the study indicated that the distorted images about Africa, in the light of Heideggerian interpretations, are born out of prejudice, and cannot withstand the sledgehammer of logical criticisms.