Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that the rate of poverty ravaging African counties is as a result of poor leadership and mindset, not an act of God.
Speaking on Monday at the FESTAC Africa Festival’s opening ceremony at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, Kenya, Obasanjo emphasised that Africa’s abundant resources should prevent the continent from being impoverished.
“Africa has no reason to be poor. Our poverty is not an act of God. We are steeped in poverty due to our poor mentality. We need to wake up because we have a wealth of resources,” The Punch quoted Obasanjo as saying.
“If you look back in history, you will see that whenever others needed to get work done, they came to Africa to transport black people to the so-called New World to make others rich. And that hasn’t stopped. The slave trade led to colonialism. We enrich others while remaining impoverished. We need to awaken,” he added while reflecting on Africa’s history.
Obasanjo also recalled the challenges during the 1977 FESTAC, held during his tenure as Nigeria’s military head of state, expressing nostalgia for the event’s revival.
Obasanjo reminisced about the event’s success, which attracted black people from across the globe, and acknowledged its long suspension due to government control. He commended Yinka Abioye, Chairman of FESTAC Africa International, for reviving the festival.
“At this juncture, I would like to commend Yinka (Abioye) for his efforts and determination in reviving FESTAC during my lifetime,” Obasanjo said.
The former President also stressed that while Africa has achieved political liberation, economic freedom remains elusive, and urged African leaders to reject Western ideas that do not serve the continent’s needs.
“We have everything needed to create wealth. No one will do it for us. We must do it ourselves. If we don’t act, we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder. Our youth are restless, unhappy, bitter, angry, unemployed, and dissatisfied. They cannot wait for a long-promised future. They want action now. If we fail to deliver, we will be in trouble. However, we can meet their needs because we have the capability,” he warned.
