LAGOS, NIGERIA — Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for urgent action to address worsening insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Nigeria.
Obasanjo warned that leadership failures are forcing citizens to seek opportunities abroad.
He made the call on Sunday during a public engagement in Lagos. The event was attended by political leaders, academics, and civil society representatives.
The Warning
Obasanjo said Nigeria is facing a multidimensional crisis. He said the country must confront these challenges before they spiral further out of control.
He identified insecurity as the most pressing issue. He said the government must do more to protect lives and property.
“The level of insecurity in the country is unacceptable. Nigerians are being killed, kidnapped, and displaced. The government must act decisively,” Obasanjo said.
He also lamented the high rate of unemployment. He said millions of young Nigerians are without jobs, and this is fueling frustration and desperation.
“A country where young people have no jobs is sitting on a time bomb. We must create opportunities for our youths,” he stated.
Poverty and Leadership Failure
Obasanjo linked poverty to leadership failure. He said leaders at all levels must be accountable to the people.
He said the failure of leadership has eroded public trust. He urged leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens over personal interests.
“Leadership is about service. Those in positions of authority must remember that they are accountable to the people. We cannot continue to fail our citizens,” he said.
Seeking Opportunities Abroad
Obasanjo noted that many Nigerians are migrating abroad in search of better opportunities. He described this trend as a brain drain that is hurting the country’s development.
“Our best and brightest are leaving. They are going to other countries because they believe the system here cannot give them a future. This is a sad reality,” he said.
He called on the government to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. He said this would create jobs and reduce the urge for citizens to leave the country.
Call for Action
Obasanjo urged the government to take urgent steps to address the crisis. He said the time for rhetoric is over.
“We cannot continue to talk about problems without taking action. We need to act now,” he said.
He also called on citizens to hold their leaders accountable. He said the future of Nigeria depends on the collective effort of all citizens.
What This Means
Obasanjo’s comments highlight the pressing challenges facing Nigeria. Insecurity, unemployment, and poverty are major concerns for many Nigerians.
The former president’s call for action is a reminder that leadership is critical to addressing these issues.
What Happens Next
The government has not yet responded to Obasanjo’s comments. However, the issues he raised are likely to remain central to political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections.
For now, the focus is on ensuring that the government takes concrete steps to address the crisis. The coming months will reveal whether the authorities will heed the call.
