Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday criticized previous administrations for mismanagement, stating that Nigeria’s debt burden will be borne by future generations.
The elder statesman spoke with 2023 awardees of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, an initiative of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, as per a statement by his Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi.
Obasanjo, during his 2003 presidency, secured debt relief for Nigeria. The Ota farmer warns that due to past debt mismanagement, it’s unlikely any administration will achieve similar gestures across the continent.
Obasanjo emphasized that debts are a trap that no individual or nation should fall into, as they can be an economic albatross.
The former President emphasized leadership as the continent’s top issue, stating that future generations will have to bear the debt incurred by various countries.
He praised Pastor Oyakhilome for his leadership efforts, emphasizing the need for more individuals like him to address the leadership crisis in the continent.
Obasanjo emphasized the importance of a leader setting good examples, being bold and courageous, accepting mistakes, learning from them, and having a realistic dream during the Q&A session.
Obasanjo has expressed hope that the country’s socio-economic situation could improve within four years or so, urging prayers and thanksgiving.
He made this disclosure at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ogun State 5th thanksgiving service of his conferment as the Asiwaju Onigbagbo, Ogun State, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta on Tuesday.
The former President acknowledged the country’s socio-economic situation was not in good shape, but urged gratitude for the mercy God has shown.
“Think about it. If you have breathed the free air of God, you should have cause to thank God. So, things are bad, they may be good in a space of what…four years? and who knows for Nigeria, things that are bad today, may be good tomorrow.
“That is our prayer and that is why we must never stop thanking God. In all situations, give thanks to God”, Obasanjo told the congregation.
The former President expressed gratitude to God’s faithful for their persistent prayers for the country.
He added: “It is such a difficult time. And when they are talking of being in fellow of mercy, mine is more than a Fellow of Mercy, mine is Fellow of Grace and Mercy of God, any one that is not enjoying this should put up his hand. If that is so, why should we not thank God?”