10th January, 2025
By Adejoke Adeleye
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that his refusal to remain silent on national and international issues led to his imprisonment under the military regime of late Gen. Sani Abacha in 1995.
Speaking at an interactive session with 15 young leaders from across Africa at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) over the weekend, Obasanjo recounted how his drive to safeguard Nigeria from collapse motivated him to seek the presidency in 1999.
According to him, he had initially settled into agriculture after retiring from military service at 42 but was compelled to return to public service due to the nation’s dire situation.
The session, organised by the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, featured winners of the prestigious Future Africa Leaders Awards.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo urged the youth to embrace positive leadership and actively work towards transforming the continent.
Reflecting on his time in prison, Obasanjo described it as a defining challenge of his life.
He said, “I joined the Army and retired at 42. While I was young and dynamic, I chose agriculture. However, my refusal to keep silent landed me in prison. I commented on issues that mattered, and that outspokenness came with consequences. Upon my release, the state of the country compelled people to seek my intervention, leading to my return to leadership.”
Addressing Africa’s debt crisis, Obasanjo criticised the recklessness and corruption surrounding some loans.
He cited a Nigerian example where funds for a carpet factory project were mismanaged, yet the loan was repaid.
“Most debts in Africa cannot be justified; some are outright corruption,” he lamented.
Obasanjo commended the Future Africa Leaders Foundation and its founder, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, for their impactful work since 2013.
“What Pastor Chris has done is marvelous. Some may see it as a drop in the ocean, but many drops make an ocean. I encourage the beneficiaries to carry the torch, inspire others, and enact positive disruptive changes as today’s leaders.”
The Star Prize winner, Julian New Ariori from Benin, expressed gratitude on behalf of her co-winners, highlighting the enriching experience of touring the Presidential Library.
Participants hailed from countries including Libya, Morocco, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, South Sudan, and Malawi, among others.
The session was led by Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe, Head of Media and Government Relations for the Foundation.
