Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria is not a difficult country to govern, insisting that sincerity, inclusiveness, and good governance are all that is required to harness the nation’s diversity for growth.
He spoke on Tuesday, September 30, during the commissioning of the Bakhita ICT Centre at the Catholic Secretariat in Sokoto State.
According to Obasanjo, Nigeria’s greatest advantage lies in its multi-ethnic and multi-religious identity, which, if well managed, can propel the country to global recognition.
“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.
“If diversity is managed with good governance and inclusiveness, then we will be respected and counted among the leading nations in the world,” he said.
He noted that honesty remained a vital quality for anyone aspiring to lead.
“Nigeria is not a difficult country to rule if leaders are honest with themselves, with God, and with the people,” Obasanjo said.
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He added that he had personally benefited from Nigeria’s diverse makeup since 1979 by drawing wisdom from leaders across the North, South, East, and West.
Turning to education, he argued that no society could make meaningful progress without investing in knowledge and practical skills.
“No matter our religion, tribe, culture or language, we cannot develop our full potential without education,” he said, stressing the need for skills that empower individuals and communities.
Obasanjo also warned about the dangers of unpreparedness as Nigeria’s population heads towards 400 million by 2050.
“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.