Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of the current economic hardship, expressing confidence that the country will eventually achieve its potential as a prosperous nation.
Speaking during an interview with Arise TV on Monday, the elder statesman described himself as an “incurable optimist” who firmly believes that Nigeria will rise above its challenges.
“We wish all Nigerians a happy and prosperous new year, and I will say to Nigerians, we’re going through hardship, but they should never lose hope,” Obasanjo said.
“I’m an incurable optimist about Nigeria, and we have a great country. Where we are is not where God wants us to be, and I believe that sooner than later we will get to where God wants us to be.”
Obasanjo painted a vision of Nigeria as a land “flowing with milk and honey,” emphasizing that the current struggles are not a reflection of the country’s potential.
“That we’re where we are is either by inadvertent or advertent actions of our leaders and followers to some extent, but God is God of great things for Nigeria. I believe God has great things for Nigeria in the immediate future.”
He further noted that leadership extends beyond political office, stressing the responsibility of both current and former leaders to use their experiences and connections for the betterment of humanity.
“Whether you spend two years or 10 years in office, you acquire certain experiences and build relationships that can be tapped into for the good of the world,” he added.
Obasanjo also decried the “deficit of leadership” across the globe, particularly in the political sphere, urging leaders to step up and play their roles responsibly.
“At the political level, it matters most because politics drives all other things, but at all levels, incumbent leaders matter more because they have the power and all that goes with the power,” he said.
“Those that have had the opportunity and God has endowed should realise that if anybody fails to play their part in this global village, that village will soon be spoiled.”
Obasanjo also addressed the controversial remarks attributed to former US President Donald Trump in 2018, where African nations were allegedly referred to as “shithole countries.”
Although Trump denied the comments, Obasanjo emphasized the need to counter such narratives and demand respect for Africa.
“We have to find a way of letting Trump know that what he calls a ‘shithole’ is not it, and we have to make him understand that,” he said.
“America has an enlightened interest in Africa, and we must tell him, ‘This is your interest, and don’t ignore it.’”
Obasanjo underscored the importance of collaboration for global peace and stability, urging African leaders to assert the continent’s value in the global arena.
“A world that is secured, stable, and where prosperity is shared, and security will be common for everybody—I believe Trump will understand that,” he added.
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