Obasanjo warns: Ignoring poverty is like sitting on gunpowder keg

Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for an end to poverty in Africa, citing China’s success in lifting 700 million people out of poverty.

Obasanjo emphasised that Nigeria can learn from China’s success in lifting 700 million people out of poverty.

He identified education and security as key solutions to hunger and poverty.

Obasanjo spoke on Friday at Dele Momodu’s leadership lecture themed “How to end hunger and poverty in Africa,” where he highlighted key solutions at Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said, “Before we talk about food, security is key.

“Education is one of the tools we can use to banish poverty. Where there’s no education, invariably, there will be poverty.

“Leadership is the greatest ingredient for ending poverty.“ To get it right, we must ensure no child is uneducated.

“Nigeria can eliminate hunger and poverty with integrity, discipline and good governance.

“We can do it if China can lift 700 million people out of poverty.”

The former president noted that Nigeria can’t afford to ignore poverty, as he warned that if nothing is done, the country will be like sitting on a “gunpowder keg”, a situation that’s highly unstable and likely to cause big problems

“Nigeria should have no business with abject poverty. If we don’t take responsibility, we all sit on a gunpowder keg.

“Until we banish poverty in Africa, international communities will not recognise us as a serious continent.” he said

In attendance were Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and Governor Ademola Adeleke. Punch