Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has called on Africa’s youth to rise and take the reins of leadership across the continent, declaring that they are not just “leaders of tomorrow” but of today.
Speaking on Monday at the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat themed “Africa and the Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East”, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo urged young people to harness their population strength for positive transformation.
“You are leaders of today because if you leave tomorrow in the hands of the leaders who are there today, they will destroy it — and you won’t have your tomorrow,” Obasanjo warned.
He cited the recent election in Cameroon as an example of Africa’s leadership dilemma, questioning the continued dominance of ageing rulers.
“Cameroon just had an election. My brother, Paul Biya, is 92. So, what are you going to do with the youths — or are there no youths in Cameroon?” he asked.
In the same event, former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (retd.), urged Nigerian leaders to confront insecurity more decisively. He referenced recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly threatened a “guns-a-blazing” military response over alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria.
Agwai said Trump’s warning should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to protect citizens and stabilize the country.
The annual retreat, organised by the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, drew participants from across Nigeria and other African countries, providing a platform for young leaders to engage on pressing continental challenges.
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