**The Revival of Colonial Nostalgia: A Threat to Global Equality** In recent times, the Western world has been experiencing a strange phenomenon - a nostalgia for the colonial era. Many Western leaders and intellectuals are harking back to a period when their ancestors imposed their rule on other nations, often through brutal means. This development has left many in the Global South wondering if the world is indeed moving backwards. The truth is that the colonial era was a dark chapter in human history. In Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, colonial administrations uprooted local systems and industries, created economies dependent on cash crops, and rewrote political authority to suit their interests. This led to immense suffering, displacement, and marginalization of local populations. The scars of colonialism still linger today, and it's astonishing that some people are now romanticizing this period. In Nigeria, we have our own experiences of colonialism. The imposition of British rule led to the disruption of our traditional systems, the exploitation of our natural resources, and the suppression of our cultural identity. It's disheartening to see Western leaders and intellectuals downplaying the harm caused by colonialism and peddling a narrative of benevolent stewardship. The recent speech by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference is a case in point. He waxed lyrical about the pre-1945 imperial order, framing it as a time of prosperity and moral leadership. This ignores the brutal reality of colonialism, which was built on racial hierarchy and exploitation. By sanitizing colonialism, Rubio and others are whitewashing history and erasing the experiences of those who suffered under colonial rule. This revival of colonial nostalgia has serious implications for global equality and justice. It undermines the progress made towards acknowledging and addressing the historical injustices perpetrated by Western powers. It also emboldens those who seek to exploit and oppress others, under the guise of "civilizing missions" or "stewardship". As we move forward, it's essential that we continue to tell the truth about colonialism and its ongoing impact on our world. We must reject the revisionist narratives that seek to downplay or erase the suffering of those who were colonized. By doing so, we can work towards a more just and equitable world, where the histories and experiences of all nations are respected and valued.