Find homegrown solutions to Africa’s problems, Obasanjo charges African leaders
Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on African leaders to work together on finding homegrown solutions to the myriads of problems confronting the continent, instead of relying solely on international development partners.
Obasanjo, who stated this while addressing a delegation of students and youths across African countries at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun state, on Wednesday, declared that “no problem in Africa is too great for us to solve.”
The delegation majorly students’ leaders from the horn of Africa, especially Ethiopia and the Tigray Region, was led by the President of All-Africa Students Union (AASU), Osisiogu Osikenyi.
The students hinted that they were on a “thank you” visit to Obasanjo for facilitating the permanent cessation of hostilities agreement between the government of the Federal Republic of Ethopia and the Tigray Peoples’ Liberation Front (TPLF) in Pretoria last year.
Speaking further, Obasanjo said it was important for Africa to consider the peculiarities of its people in designing and implementing workable homegrown solutions to the problems confronting the continent.
The former President said, the African Union (AU) took a lead in finding solutions to Africa’s problems with the way it resolved the civil war between Tigray and Ethopia.
“It is a great lesson for us to know that yes, whatever may be our problem – political, economic, social in Africa – we can solve them if we go about seeking solution rightly.
“What is very important and which I want you to take very very seriously is that, what we were able to achieve in Tigray, the peace that we were able to achieve in Tigray between TPLF and the Federal government of Ethopia is what you and I will regard as finding African solution to African problem. And this is what our leaders have been clamouring for even from independence in the early 1960s.
“No problem in Africa is too great for us to solve. There may be problem of peace, problem of insecurity, problem of youths unemployment, youths lack of empowerment, youths lack of acquisition of skills, youths frustration and of course general bad governance”, Obasanjo said.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions Students Union (EHEISU), Oli Bedane Wako said, the African students’ leaders paid a thank you visit to Obasanjo over the role he played in the historic signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement among the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and Tigray Liberation Fronts
According to him, the deadliest war in Tigray region of Ethiopia had brought immense tragedy, claiming the lives of countless young individuals and leaving behind widespread destruction and trauma.
He, however, noted that the move initiated by Obasanjo has saved countless lives provided a foundation upon which we can rebuild the war-torn region of Tigray.
“Baba, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering commitment in brokering the peace agreement in Ethiopia. Your contributions have brought a new sense of hope to our people, and we stand here today, forever grateful for your remarkable efforts.
“Yet, even as the sounds of gunfire have ceased, the suffering continues in Tigray. The situation is dire. Starvation persists, schools and healthcare facilities stand in ruins, and our education system faces unprecedented challenges. It is with humility that we approach you today, seeking your continued assistance,” Wako submitted.
