Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised a red flag over the worsening poverty and hunger across Africa, warning that Nigeria is “sitting on a keg of gunpowder” if urgent actions are not taken to address economic hardship.
Speaking at Dele Momodu’s Leadership Lecture themed “How to End Hunger and Poverty in Africa”, Obasanjo emphasized the need for quality leadership, education, and good governance as tools to eradicate abject poverty.
“If China can lift 700 million people out of poverty, why can’t Nigeria?” Obasanjo asked, insisting that hunger will persist unless security, education, and integrity-driven governance are prioritized.
Key Points from Obasanjo’s Speech:
- Security must come before discussions on food and agriculture.
- Education is critical to ending poverty — “Where there’s no education, there will be poverty.”
- Leadership plays a central role in ending hunger and poverty.
- Good governance, discipline, and integrity are non-negotiable in the fight against poverty.
Obasanjo declared, “Until we banish poverty from Africa, the international community will not take us seriously.”
Ooni of Ife & Gov. Adeleke Echo the Call
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, called on Nigerians to show patriotism in all aspects of life, including food consumption and clothing. He noted, “We may not get it right immediately, but with unity and local patronage, we can become the envy of the world.”
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, commended Chief Dele Momodu for launching his leadership centre in Ibadan and criticized politicians who isolate themselves from the people.
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“I invited Obasanjo to Osun twice to witness the rapid development projects we’re executing. I’m building an Atlanta-style spaghetti junction. Our leaders must fear God and be accessible to the people,” he said.
The Takeaway:
The leadership summit stressed that the solution to hunger and hardship in Nigeria lies in patriotism, strong institutions, and inclusive governance.
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