Finally watched ”The Queen of Katwe” in full yesterday after being upset that a Kenyan and Nigerian had to both act as Ugandans. Chiwetel changed my mind by learning a new language. I was moved because it is a true-life story. The poverty is showed was very relatable and common.

There is a privilege we have as educated Africans that blinds us to see how most of Africa lives. We think we do but we don't. There are many Fiona’s waiting to be discovered and all they need is opportunity and more. This is why our work at @PlaceFund matters more than anything.

I remember a Ghanaian friend here who mentioned his family never had a home they owned. I couldn't immediately relate because I was born in a house which my grandfather owned and built. I inherited that house together with my own father’s house. I have plan B always. My own home.

Many in Africa are not even sure of their Plan A not to talk about a Plan B. It shocked me that this well educated young man who even went to Yale was still so disadvantaged. There are very many in Africa who have education but still no property rights.

My property rights were guaranteed by my position at birth and that my grandfather had enough basic education and foresight. Many are still at the stage that my grandfather was when he built his first house in 1945. That is the true divide in Africa. I owned a house before birth.

The Queen of Katwe highlighted the flaw in our traditional institutions as well. If I had been born a woman, I would have had no property inheritance or birthright. That is even far behind a Plan A. We created a society that inherently puts women at a disadvantage.

This made me realize yesterday that not only does property rights matter, property rights for EVERYONE especially women matters even more. In Ghana with a matrilineal society, it is interesting that men still dominate when it comes to property. My wife has property others seized.

The basis of opportunity is knowing that you have a home. A ”Place” where you feel secure. Many in Africa do not have that. While growing up in my grandfather’s house, I didn't feel secure. I told my mum that I had heart palpitations coming home from school because of conflict.

Telling my mother that was what allowed her to make up her mind to leave the marriage and take her 4 kids from the marriage with her and start a new life in a new home where we all felt secure. We didn't own that home but my mum made it home and worked hard to give us opportunity

Opportunity in Africa starts from having a secure place. We don't know how much that means when we are already secure and take it for granted. I have had to be homeless by choice a couple of times and lived in insecurity as well. It is mentally exhausting and distracting.

The key to our productivity has always been property rights and security. Climate change is not making it easier. Those bandits in Katsina and Zamfara you hear about are already on Edo highways. They are ransacking my mother’s village. It is now a threat to ALL of us.

I am on my bed in a house we own. It can easily become a conflict zone and all those privileges will be lost. This is what many did not understand about the Nigerian Civil war and why it happened. It is why we must end war and poverty with rights for Africa to have a chance.

All our petty differences are really meaningless when we realize what is at stake. People who are being displaced daily from their homes do not have time or resources to fight on Twitter. Let's fight for the right things.

For those who don't understand my Chiwetel reference, go and watch ”The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind.” Another great movie based on a true African story. He changed my mind about who plays roles as he changed himself for that role. That is pure acting.

Africans have to keep narrating these African stories of hope and progress. Not everytime juju and 419.