Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for immediate and sustained efforts to eliminate abject poverty across Africa, stressing that Nigeria, in particular, has no excuse for its current levels of deprivation.
Speaking at Dele Momodu’s leadership lecture titled “How to End Hunger and Poverty in Africa,” Obasanjo cited China’s success in lifting over 700 million people out of poverty as a benchmark for what is possible. “If China can do it, Nigeria should be able to address the severe poverty facing its citizens,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Obasanjo emphasized that security is a prerequisite for food security and long-term economic stability. He also highlighted education as a critical tool in fighting poverty. “Where there’s no education, poverty is inevitable,” he stated.
Obasanjo underscored the importance of character-driven leadership, noting that communal values and integrity must guide those in power. “Leadership is the most essential ingredient for ending poverty,” he said. “There’s no human endeavour that doesn’t thrive on effective leadership. To get it right, we must ensure every child is educated.”
He added that with the right mix of discipline, good governance, and national will, Nigeria can eliminate hunger and poverty. “If we don’t take responsibility now, we’re all sitting on a keg of gunpowder,” he warned. “Until we banish poverty in Africa, the international community will not take us seriously.”
In response, the Ooni of Ife praised Obasanjo’s remarks and urged citizens to embrace patriotism by supporting locally made products and working in partnership with the government. “We may not get it right immediately,” he said, “but with commitment, Nigeria can become the envy of the world.”
