● Kefas Akase
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has sounded the alarm over the worsening economic hardship in Nigeria, warning that the nation is “sitting on a keg of gunpowder” if urgent steps are not taken to tackle poverty and poor leadership. He issued the warning on Friday, May 16, while delivering a keynote speech at the Dele Momodu Leadership Lecture held in Lagos.
Obasanjo, who ruled Nigeria as a military and later civilian leader, expressed grave concern about the rising level of suffering across the country. He noted that Nigeria has no excuse to remain in poverty when other nations like China have made remarkable progress in lifting their citizens out of destitution. “If China can lift 700 million people out of poverty, what is Nigeria’s excuse?” he asked rhetorically.
The elder statesman emphasized the transformative power of education, describing it as the most effective weapon against poverty. According to him, “Where there is no education, poverty will thrive. No child should be left uneducated in Nigeria if we are serious about tackling poverty.”
Obasanjo also highlighted the critical role of leadership in addressing the country’s socioeconomic challenges. He pointed out that without leaders who embody integrity, discipline, and a commitment to good governance, the nation’s plight would only worsen. “Leadership makes the difference. We must be intentional about producing leaders who care about the people and not themselves,” he stated.
Lamenting the growing gap between the rich and the poor, Obasanjo warned that the frustrations of the masses could boil over if left unaddressed. “If we don’t take responsibility for solving our problems, we are all sitting on a keg of gunpowder,” he said, stressing that the signs of widespread dissatisfaction were becoming more visible across the country.
He further argued that the entire African continent must commit to eradicating poverty to earn the respect of the global community. “Until Africa solves its poverty problem, the world will not take us seriously,” Obasanjo noted, urging stakeholders at all levels to prioritize sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The Dele Momodu Leadership Lecture, which drew a diverse audience of political leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders, served as a platform for critical reflections on the state of governance in Nigeria. Obasanjo’s blunt assessment has since reignited national conversations around poverty, education, and the urgent need for visionary leadership. GMTNewsng
