Why Nigeria is Volatile, Filled with Suffering, says Ex-president Obasanjo

By Towncriernews 

Former President Olusegun 

Obasanjo, has said that Nigeria was becoming more volatile, uncertain and complex.

He also stated that insecurity had 

made the country a dangerous 

place, filled with so much suffering 

and hunger just as he said the leadership has to wake up to its responsibilities in 

order to create a better world for 

all Nigerians.

Obasanjo who was also a military Head of State between 1976 – 1979, said these in Lagos on Saturday at the Africa Methodist Council Heads of Conference Summit and Women’s Movement Leadership Summit, where he was the Chairman of the public lecture. 

The lecture’s topic, presented by the General Secretary, World Methodist Council, Bishop Ivan Abrahams, was, ‘Leadership in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous World’.

Obasanjo, giving his opening remarks, asked that Nigerian leaders must re-evaluate the world.

“How do we re-evaluate the world? That is what I believe we have to do in re-evaluating the world. What do we do? Jesus Christ himself told us that in this world, we would have trouble. I will give you two points. Wake up! We need a new generation of leaders; moral leaders, 

transformational leaders, and 

servant leaders.

“This new generation of leaders will lead by showing love and leading the re-evaluation and transformation,” he said.

Speaking further, he said, “Nigeria as it is now is volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous and dangerous.

“We have resources in Africa; we have 70 per cent of the world’s copper. Japan has no mineral resources. Singapore is even worse. No resources!

“But, whatever resources we have, if we are devoid of leadership, it won’t get us anywhere. That is why leadership in Africa is very important.

“We can’t create an Africa of hope, prosperity, devoid of oppression and one of security, peace and where leaders 

have vision, knowledge and understanding this way.”

He also recalled how the late South African freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, and Preacher, Desmond Tutu, advised him to contest the presidency for the second time.

According to him, “When I came out of 

prison, and there was pressure mounting on me to take the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, the only place I went outside 

Nigeria was South Africa. I went to seek advice from Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

“Nelson said, ‘Olu, whatever your instinct tells you, do it.’ Tutu said, ‘If your people want you to serve, serve and stop making excuses’.

“I came back home and decided to make myself available and contest for the presidency of Nigeria.

“I found out that the years I spent in prison were advantageous to me in serving as president when I was elected.

“We can get good out of bad. That also happened to Nelson Mandela.

“When we get good leaders, let’s make maximum use of  them because good leaders don’t flog. When you get one 

in a generation, make good use 

of them. Let’s learn the right lesson from them.

“We cannot make the world less volatile, simple or unambiguous  unless we have the right type of leaders. We are talking about leaders that take examples of 

Jesus Christ and become like him.”