Obasanjo Urges Africa to Banish Poverty, Says Nigeria Has No Business with It
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has made a powerful call to action for all African nations — especially Nigeria — to rise up and end the scourge of abject poverty once and for all.
Speaking passionately at Dele Momodu’s Leadership Lecture, themed "How to End Hunger and Poverty in Africa," the elder statesman delivered a keynote address that touched on security, education, leadership, and governance as key tools in fighting poverty across the continent.
In his words, Obasanjo made a strong comparison between Nigeria and China, pointing out that if China was able to successfully lift over 700 million of its citizens out of poverty, there’s absolutely no reason Nigeria cannot do the same — and even better.
“We can do it if China can lift 700 million people out of poverty,” he said firmly.
“Nigeria should have no business with abject poverty. If we don’t take responsibility, we all sit on a gunpowder keg.”
Obasanjo emphasized that before any talk of solving hunger or improving food security can be taken seriously, there must first be adequate security and safety for citizens.
“Before we talk about food, security is key,” he stated.
He didn't stop there. He went further to explain that education plays a fundamental role in the long-term fight against poverty. Without educating the youth and future generations, the cycle of poverty will continue unbroken.
“Education is one of the tools we can use to banish poverty. Where there’s no education, invariably, there will be poverty.”
Obasanjo also identified leadership as the most crucial factor that determines the success or failure of poverty eradication in any society. According to him, leadership must be responsible, people-focused, and built on shared values.
“In all works of life, we must have leaders whose characters display ‘communality’.”
“Leadership is the greatest ingredient for ending poverty. There’s no human endeavour that does not thrive on leadership.”
In clear and bold terms, the former President stressed that eliminating hunger and poverty in Nigeria is not a fantasy — it's achievable. But only with the right values and commitment from both leaders and citizens.
“To get it right, we must ensure no child is uneducated.”
“Nigeria can eliminate hunger and poverty with integrity, discipline and good governance.”
Obasanjo concluded his address with a warning: the world will not take Africa seriously until the continent takes bold steps to eliminate poverty.
“Until we banish poverty in Africa, international communities will not recognize us as a serious continent.”
Ooni of Ife Agrees: Patriotism is Key
Also speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, a respected traditional ruler and cultural leader, applauded President Obasanjo for his bold stance. He added that beyond government efforts, patriotism among Nigerians is essential in ending poverty.
He encouraged Nigerians to support local industries, wear locally made clothes, and eat locally produced food as a way to build the economy and reduce poverty.
“If we want to break poverty in this country, we have to be patriotic in all ramifications. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear.”
The Ooni acknowledged that the journey may not be perfect at first, but with unity and determination, Nigeria can become a model for the rest of the world.
“We may not get it right at first, but in a short time we would be the envy of the world.”
At NaijaRush, we believe voices like Obasanjo’s and the Ooni’s are critical reminders that Nigeria has the potential to rise above poverty — but it requires action, unity, and leadership from all levels of society.
Let’s rise to the challenge.
