Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasised the need for Africa’s vast youth population to assume leadership roles across the continent.
He stated that young people must recognise that they are no longer merely the leaders of tomorrow, but of today.
Obasanjo urged the youth to channel their large numbers positively to bring about the long-awaited transformation in Africa.
His remarks came as former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (retd.), said that United States President Donald Trump’s “guns-a-blazing” threat over alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria should serve as a wake-up call for the country’s leaders to intensify efforts against insecurity.
Both made their statements on Monday at the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat, themed “Africa and the Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East”, organised by the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
DAILY POST reports that the annual lecture attracted participants from across Nigeria and other African countries.
It will be recalled that Trump recently threatened possible military intervention in Nigeria amid allegations of large-scale violence against Christians. He declared that he had directed the Pentagon to prepare “possible action” if the Nigerian government failed to curb the killings, warning of aid suspension and a potential “guns-a-blazing” attack.
Addressing the youth, Obasanjo said, “You are leaders of today because if you leave tomorrow in the hands of leaders who are there today, they will destroy it; you won’t have your tomorrow.
“You can see that happening almost everywhere. Cameroon just had an election. My brother, Paul Biya, is 92. So, what are you going to do with the youths, or are there no youths in Cameroon?”
Obasanjo urges Africa’s youth to lead today