Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has stated that Nigeria, despite being a diverse and complex nation, is not a difficult country to govern if leaders are honest and sincere.
Obasanjo made this remark on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Bakhita ICT Centre at the Catholic Secretariat in Sokoto State.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s strength lies in its unity in diversity, which should be harnessed for national development.
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“There are many good things in Nigeria. These are shown in our unity in diversity, and Nigeria is what it is today because of its diversity.
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“If diversity is managed with good governance and inclusiveness, then we will be respected and counted among the leading nations in the world,” Obasanjo said.
The former president underscored that honesty and sincerity on the part of leaders remain crucial in addressing the country’s challenges.
“Nigeria is not a difficult country to rule if leaders are honest with themselves, with God, and with the people.
“I am one of the greatest beneficiaries of Nigeria’s diversity. Since 1979, I have sought counsel and blessings from elders across the North, South, East and West to manage our unity in diversity,” he added.
Obasanjo stressed the significance of education and knowledge as vital tools for driving national development and fostering social harmony.
“No matter our religion, tribe, culture or language, we cannot develop our full potential without education.
“In today’s world, we need not only general knowledge about our society but also practical skills to empower individuals, families, communities, and the nation,” he said.
According to NAN, the former president warned of looming challenges by 2050 when Nigeria’s population is projected to reach 400 million, cautioning that the failure to prepare adequately could worsen the country’s security situation.
“If we fail to prepare for these challenges, the Boko Haram of today will be child’s play.
“Already, 24 million children who should be in school are out of school. That alone could become a recruiting ground for future insurgencies.
“We must not give up on educating every Nigerian child. If everyone is educated, you will have better servants, better leaders, and a better society,” he cautioned.
Obasanjo commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his efforts in managing Sokoto State and lauded the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, for his commitment to fostering national unity.
He also praised Bishop Matthew Kukah for establishing the ICT centre and acknowledged legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola for supporting the initiative.
In his remarks, Sultan Abubakar expressed appreciation to Obasanjo for attending the event and urged Nigerians to emulate the former president’s dedication to promoting unity.
He further stressed the urgent need for collective efforts in tackling insecurity and driving sustainable development across the country.
Representing Governor Aliyu, the Chief of Staff to the Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Aminu Dikko, commended Obasanjo and the Catholic Diocese for the initiative. He assured that the state government remains committed to promoting technology education to create opportunities for future generations.
