NO MORE Leaders Of Tomorrow; SEE How Obasanjo Described Nigerian Youths, Tells Them What To Do Immediately
Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has called on the country’ s youth to take bold steps in shaping their future instead of passively waiting for opportunities.
He emphasised that Nigeria’ s challenges stem from the widespread mismanagement of both human and natural resources, urging the younger generation to take proactive measures in securing a better tomorrow.
Obasanjo made these remarks at the February Reading and Writing Dialogue, organised by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja Chapter, held at the Chinua Achebe International Conference Centre, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape, Abuja.
The event, themed ” The Writer’ s Role in Nation- Building and Africa’ s First Presidential Library, ” gathered prominent writers, intellectuals, and stakeholders to discuss literature’ s role in shaping society. Addressing the country’ s governance, Obasanjo underscored the need for strong political will in policy formulation and execution.
In a controversial remark, he suggested that military rule had been more effective than democratic governance in Nigeria, citing the ability of the military to enforce policies without bureaucratic delays. His statement reflects ongoing concerns about the efficiency of democratic institutions in addressing the nation’ s pressing socio- economic and security challenges.
Highlighting the importance of literature in preserving history, Obasanjo stressed that writers play an irreplaceable role in documenting events that shape society. He argued that understanding the past is vital for guiding the present and future, stating:
” The writer is the one who documents where you are so that you can plan and move to where you are going. The role of the writer in nation- building is, therefore, a role that has no substitute. ”
He urged Nigerian authors to take their responsibility seriously by producing works that inspire national consciousness and accountability.
Obasanjo also addressed the decline in reading culture, particularly among young Nigerians. He encouraged parents to actively nurture a love for books in their children, warning against over- reliance on social media for information. He pointed out that while digital platforms provide quick access to news, they do not offer the depth and critical engagement that traditional reading fosters.
To tackle this issue, he called on ANA to develop targeted programmes that promote reading among young people. He further reinforced the idea that while not every leader needs to be a writer, every leader should be an avid reader.
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In his closing remarks, Obasanjo challenged young Nigerians to seize leadership opportunities rather than wait for them. He urged them to be proactive in effecting change and to take ownership of their future. ” The youths of Nigeria should not wait for tomorrow to lead; they should take their future today, ” he declared.
His speech resonated with many attendees, igniting discussions on youth empowerment and the need for immediate action in tackling Nigeria’ s challenges.
