…describes imprisonment as a life challenge
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed his 1995 imprisonment under the military regime of Gen. Sani Abacha to his vocal stance on pressing national and international matters.
Speaking on Friday while hosting a delegation of youths from the Future Africa Leaders Foundation at his Abeokuta residence, Obasanjo reflected on the challenges he faced during his career, including his imprisonment and eventual return to politics to save Nigeria from disintegration in 1999.
Obasanjo, who retired from the military at 42 in 1979, said he initially embraced farming but could not remain silent on issues affecting the nation.
“Going to prison is a challenge, but I ended up there because I refused to keep quiet. For me, if there was something to comment on, I spoke out, and that landed me in prison,” he said.
He explained that upon his release, the state of the nation compelled him to intervene, leading to his eventual presidency. “When I came out, the situation in the country was so dire that some people felt it needed saving, and pressure mounted on me to intervene,” Obasanjo added.
Criticism of Africa’s Rising Debt
The former president also addressed Africa’s growing debt burden, condemning the recklessness and corruption underlying many of the loans. Citing an example, he recalled a Nigerian state that took a loan for a carpet industry that was never established, yet the debt had to be repaid.
Praise for Youth Empowerment Efforts
Obasanjo lauded Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, for his commitment to empowering African youths since 2013.
“What Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has been doing is marvellous,” he said. “Some may see it as a drop in the ocean, but many drops make the ocean. I am very pleased with this project and wish him continued success.”
He encouraged the award-winning youths to embrace leadership, asserting, “Carry the torch and spread it. You are the leaders of today, not tomorrow. Take positive, disruptive action to make a difference.”
Youth Delegation Visits Presidential Library
The youth delegation, which included 10 winners of the 2024 Future Africa Leaders Awards, toured the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library as part of their visit. Julian New Ariori from the Republic of Benin, the Star Prize winner, expressed gratitude to Obasanjo for the opportunity, highlighting the tour’s significance.
The delegation, led by Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe, included participants from countries such as Libya, Morocco, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ghana. The visit aimed to inspire the next generation of leaders through exposure and mentorship.