Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a stern warning, declaring that Nigeria and Africa at large are "sitting on a keg of gunpowder" due to worsening poverty levels. Speaking at a leadership lecture organized by Dele Momodu in Ibadan, Obasanjo emphasized the urgent need for education, good governance, and disciplined leadership to combat hunger and poverty.
According to The Punch, Obasanjo stated, “Education is one of the tools we can use to banish poverty. Where there’s no education, invariably, there will be poverty.” He further stressed that Nigeria has no excuse for widespread poverty, citing China's success in lifting 700 million people out of destitution. “Nigeria should have no business with abject poverty. If we don’t take responsibility, we all sit on a gunpowder keg,” he warned.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, echoed Obasanjo’s sentiments, urging patriotism and collaboration with the government. Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke highlighted the need for accountability among leaders, stating, “The problem we have is that people don’t have the fear of God.”
The leaders collectively called for immediate action to prevent a social explosion, emphasizing that Africa’s global reputation depends on eradicating poverty.
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