Obasanjo Warns Nigeria is ‘Sitting on a Keg of Gunpowder’ Over Rising Poverty
Former President Calls for Urgent Action Against Poverty Crisis
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a stark warning, stating that Nigeria is “sitting on a keg of gunpowder” due to worsening economic hardship and poverty across the nation.
Speaking at Dele Momodu’s leadership lecture on Friday, the elder statesman expressed deep concern about the country’s development trajectory, comparing Nigeria’s situation unfavorably with China’s success in poverty reduction.
Education as Key to Poverty Eradication
Obasanjo identified education as a critical tool in combating poverty, stating: “Education is one of the tools we can use to banish poverty. Where there’s no education, invariably, there will be poverty.”
He emphasized that leadership plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, calling for leaders who demonstrate ‘communality’ in their approach to governance.
Nigeria’s Potential vs. Reality
The former president drew attention to China’s achievement in lifting 700 million people out of poverty, arguing that Nigeria has no excuse for its current levels of deprivation.
“Nigeria should have no business with abject poverty,” Obasanjo declared. “If we don’t take responsibility, we all sit on a gunpowder keg.”
Pathway to Progress
Obasanjo outlined several solutions to Nigeria’s development challenges:
- Universal education for all children
- Good governance with integrity and discipline
- Effective leadership across all sectors
He concluded with a warning about Africa’s global standing: “Until we banish poverty in Africa, international communities will not recognize us as a serious continent.”
Source: NigerianEye.com