“We’re Sitting on a Gunpowder Keg” — Obasanjo Decries Poverty, Urges Education and Integrity-Led Leadership

 

Obasanjo Sounds Alarm on Nigeria’s Poverty Crisis, Urges Leadership Rooted in Integrity and Education

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a stark warning over the deteriorating socioeconomic conditions in the country, declaring that Nigeria is perilously “sitting on a keg of gunpowder” due to rising poverty and worsening hardship.

Speaking at the Dele Momodu Leadership Lecture on Friday, Obasanjo painted a sobering picture of the state of the nation, emphasizing that the solution to Nigeria’s challenges lies not only in policy reform but also in moral and visionary leadership. He expressed frustration over the persistence of poverty in a country so rich in both human and natural resources, questioning why Nigeria should still be grappling with abject poverty in the 21st century.

The former president drew a comparison between Nigeria and China, highlighting the latter's monumental achievement of lifting 700 million people out of poverty. He argued that if a nation as populous and complex as China could make such progress, Nigeria had no excuse for its current economic predicament.

According to Obasanjo, the key to addressing hunger and poverty in Nigeria and across the African continent lies in transformative leadership and investment in education. He stressed that without access to education, poverty becomes an inevitable consequence.

"Education is not just an instrument for personal growth—it is a critical weapon in the fight against poverty," Obasanjo stated. "When a population is deprived of learning, you are creating fertile ground for hardship to take root. Every child out of school is a lost opportunity to break the cycle of poverty."

He underscored the importance of leadership that embodies what he termed “communality”—a quality of character that reflects selflessness, unity, and an unwavering commitment to collective progress. In his view, leadership should not be about personal enrichment or the wielding of unchecked power, but about service, accountability, and the ability to inspire national development.

"Every human endeavour thrives or fails depending on the quality of leadership at the helm," he said. "We need leaders who will prioritize integrity, discipline, and good governance—leaders who understand that poverty is not just an economic issue but a social and moral one."

As Nigeria grapples with rising inflation, food insecurity, and widespread disillusionment among its youth, Obasanjo’s remarks resonate deeply with the current mood of the nation. His statement that “we all sit on a gunpowder keg” if the issues of poverty and hunger are not addressed is more than just metaphorical—it reflects the growing sense of urgency felt by many Nigerians as economic challenges deepen.

The former leader emphasized that poverty reduction cannot be achieved in isolation. He called on stakeholders across all sectors—government, civil society, the private sector, and the international community—to take responsibility and work collaboratively toward sustainable solutions.

"Until we make poverty history in Africa, we cannot expect the world to take us seriously," he declared. "We must show that we are capable of managing our resources, empowering our people, and building institutions that work."

Obasanjo’s appeal was not only directed at policymakers but also at everyday citizens. He urged Nigerians to demand better leadership, hold public officials accountable, and participate actively in shaping the future of the nation.

His lecture concluded with a powerful reminder that the destiny of any nation rests in the hands of its people, and that the path forward must be paved with integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to the collective good.

As debates over economic reform, education, and governance continue to dominate national discourse, Obasanjo’s voice adds renewed urgency to the call for change—one that is not only desperately needed but long overdue.