Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reflected on the events that led to his imprisonment during General Sani Abacha’s military regime in 1995.
In his statement, Obasanjo revealed that his candidness on national and global matters was a key factor in his incarceration.
Obasanjo also shared the motivation behind his 1999 presidential bid, explaining that it stemmed from his desire to prevent Nigeria’s potential disintegration.
He recalled his retirement from military service at the age of 42 in 1979, after which he turned to farming.
It’s important to note that Obasanjo previously served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1976 to 1979.
While hosting a delegation of young leaders under the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, which included the winners of the Future Africa Leaders Awards, Obasanjo discussed his imprisonment as one of the major obstacles in his life.
He attributed his time in prison to his unwillingness to stay silent on critical issues.
Obasanjo elaborated, saying, “I joined the army and retired at 42, but I was still young, energetic, and dynamic. So, I took up agriculture. During that time, I was imprisoned, something I didn’t want.
“Going to prison is a challenge, but I ended up there because I refused to keep quiet. For me, if there was something to comment on, I spoke out, and that landed me in prison.
“When I came out, the situation in the country was so dire that some people felt it needed saving, and pressure mounted on me to intervene.”
On the issue of Africa’s growing debt crisis, Obasanjo expressed his concerns about the corruption and mismanagement behind much of the continent’s debt accumulation.
He cited an example of a Nigerian state that borrowed funds for a carpet industry project that never came to fruition, yet the debt had to be repaid.
The former president commended Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, for his unwavering dedication to empowering African youth.
Obasanjo said, “What Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has been doing is marvellous. Some may see it as a drop in the ocean, but many drops make the ocean. I am very pleased with this project and wish him continued success.”
Obasanjo urged the award winners to take up leadership roles today, stating, “Carry the torch and spread it. You are the leaders of today, not tomorrow. Take positive, disruptive action to make a difference.”
The Star Prize winner of the 2024 edition from the Republic of Benin, Julian New Ariori, expressed gratitude to Obasanjo on behalf of the other awardees. She highlighted the valuable insights gained from a tour of the Presidential Library.
The delegation included participants from Libya, Morocco, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, South Sudan, Malawi, Egypt, Cameroon, Togo, Ghana, Lesotho, Rwanda, and Burkina Faso, with Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe, Head of Media and Government Relations for the Foundation, accompanying the group.
