This presentation will explore the irony of Africa's poverty and underdevelopment in the midst of its vast mineral wealth. Using Nigeria - Africa's biggest economy and most populous country - as a case study, the topic will x-ray the probable nexus; identify the underlying sociopolitical and economic causes of the paradox often referenced as the 'resource curse'; and suggest policy options for reversing the trend.

About the Presenter: Onyinyechi 'Gandhi' Chukwunyere is a lawyer, rights advocate, researcher, and policy analyst. As president of the Legal Aid Group Nigeria, he was actively involved in the advocacy for efficient resource management, transparent leadership, and rapid socioeconomic development in Africa. He has done extensive work in Oil and Gas Law, Human Rights Law, and Illicit Financial Flows from Africa. He is currently working on a research proposal with the Department of Africana Studies at the University of Pittsburgh on the United Nations' International Decade for People of African Descent. Also, he currently serves on the Welfare and Benefits Committee of the University Senate. He has a bachelor of laws degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and Bar Certification from the Nigerian Law School; he is presently a candidate for the MPIA/IPE degree (2016) at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh.