Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized the importance of engaging Nigeria’s technocrats to rebuild the country’s struggling economy, urging leaders to abandon reliance on mediocrity. Speaking at a farewell event for Prof. Chinedum Babalola, outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Obasanjo underscored the vast pool of qualified professionals who could help Nigeria achieve a robust economic future.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s challenges, Obasanjo highlighted examples of Nigerians leading globally, such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the World Trade Organization, and Aminat Muhammed as Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. He questioned why such capable Nigerians are not being leveraged to guide the nation out of economic hardship.
“Nobody will do it for us; we have to do it ourselves,” Obasanjo said. “There are people everywhere—strong leaders who could transform this country if given the chance.”
Calling for economic diversification through agriculture, tourism, industry, and education, Obasanjo also recalled Nigeria’s past successes, like the national shipping line, which once had a promising fleet that later crumbled under poor management. He lamented lost opportunities and corruption, sharing stories of Nigeria’s assets sold off at low prices, only to be repurchased at inflated costs without proper oversight.
Drawing on the need for accountability, he cited the case of a former police pension official convicted of embezzling funds, who received only minimal punishment. Obasanjo warned that this lack of consequences perpetuates a cycle of corruption.
The former president also commended Dr. Winifred Awosika, founder of Chrisland University, for her commitment to Nigeria’s educational sector, and praised Prof. Babalola for her transformative role as Vice-Chancellor.
