Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that his outspoken stance on national and international issues resulted in his imprisonment under the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha in 1995.
In a statement released on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo reflected on his decision to run for the presidency in 1999, which he explained was driven by the need to prevent Nigeria’s disintegration. He also spoke about his life after military service, admitting that he had embraced farming after retiring at the age of 42 in 1979.
Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1976 to 1979, described his imprisonment as one of the significant challenges he faced in his life. He attributed it to his refusal to remain silent on important issues.
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He said, “I joined the army and retired at 42, but I was still young, energetic, and dynamic. So, I took up agriculture. During that time, I was imprisoned, something I didn’t want.”
“Going to prison is a challenge, but I ended up there because I refused to keep quiet. For me, if there was something to comment on, I spoke out, and that landed me in prison,” Obasanjo continued.
“When I came out, the situation in the country was so dire that some people felt it needed saving, and pressure mounted on me to intervene.”
On the topic of Africa’s growing debt crisis, Obasanjo criticised the recklessness and corruption behind many loans, sharing the example of a Nigerian state that took out a loan for a carpet industry that never materialised, yet the debt was still repaid.
He also praised Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, for his efforts in empowering young African leaders since 2013.
“What Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has been doing is marvellous,” Obasanjo said. “Some may see it as a drop in the ocean, but many drops make the ocean. I am very pleased with this project and wish him continued success.”
Obasanjo urged the young award winners to embrace their leadership roles. “Carry the torch and spread it. You are the leaders of today, not tomorrow. Take positive, disruptive action to make a difference,” he said.
Julian New Ariori, the Star Prize winner of the 2024 edition from the Republic of Benin, thanked Obasanjo on behalf of her fellow winners. She highlighted how the tour of the Presidential Library provided valuable insight and exposure.
The youth delegation included 10 winners of the prestigious Future Africa Leaders Awards, and participants came from across Africa, including Libya, Morocco, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, South Sudan, Malawi, Egypt, Cameroon, Togo, Ghana, Lesotho, Rwanda, and Burkina Faso. Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe, Head of Media and Government Relations for the Foundation, accompanied the group as their chaperone.
