Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed deep concern over the state of the nation’s youth, describing them as frustrated, hungry, and angry.
He emphasized that the Federal Government must pay attention to their grievances and take immediate action to address the growing discontent.
Obasanjo made these remarks on Friday while hosting six members of the House of Representatives at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.
The lawmakers, led by Hon. Ugochinyere Ikenga, who represents the Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State, had come to discuss bills they co-sponsored. These bills include proposals for a single six-year term for the president and governors, power rotation between the northern and southern regions, and holding presidential, governorship, national, and state assembly elections on the same day.
During the meeting, Obasanjo stressed the importance of purposeful leadership and teamwork in bringing about positive change and development in Nigeria. He cautioned that the country could not make progress without significant reforms in governance.
Addressing the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests, Obasanjo asserted that the demands of the protesters were legitimate and should be taken seriously by the government. He warned that the nation’s stability is at risk if these concerns are ignored.
“Like I have warned earlier, we should know that we are all sitting on a keg of gunpowder if we fail to begin to do the right thing. The youth are frustrated, they are hungry, they are angry, they are unemployed, and they deserve to be given listening ears,” Obasanjo said.
He further criticized the government for creating a false sense of normalcy, urging leaders to stop deceiving the masses and start addressing the underlying issues affecting the country.
Obasanjo’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among many Nigerians that urgent reforms are needed to address the country’s social and economic challenges, particularly those affecting the youth.
The meeting with the lawmakers also signals a push for significant constitutional changes aimed at promoting better governance and national unity.