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Nigeria Has Disappointed Africa, Black Race – Obasanjo

Published

2 years ago

October 23, 2024

…attributes Nigeria’s problems to regionalism, disunity

The former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Tuesday, said Nigeria has disappointed the black race and Africa in particular due to a lack of good leadership.

He said, the whole world looked at Nigeria as the hope of the black race due to its potential, but bad leadership, disunity and regionalism have made the country lose its potential.

The former President, who said this
when he played host to the 20-member delegation of League of Northern Democrats led by former Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, at his Penthouse, located within the premises of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, blamed regionalism, which was practised before the nation’s independence in 1960, as the foundation of the country’s prolonged lack of cohesion.

Obasanjo said, despite the uninspiring situation of things in the country, he remains an incurable optimist that things will turn around for good in the country, “as long as we can look back as a country and correct the mistake of the past”.

He explained that “the truth is that at independence, Nigeria emerged with three leaders and so, it is a situation of three countries in one ever since”

The former President said that the question of where you come from in appointing leaders should not be a problem, but what should be of paramount interest is the merit, capacity and ability to deliver on how to move the nation forward saying that “it is high time we begin to work for the national interest”.

Obasanjo said, “You have identified your group as League of Northern Democrats, but how I wish you call your group National League of Democrats because where you come from should not be a problem. Where I was born should not be the enemy of my country. I will be increasing by being a Nigerian than being a member of the Republic of Oodua”.

“I am undoubtedly proud to be a Yoruba, but my being a Nigerian should not be the enemy of my being a Yoruba. We must get the best man for the job, it doesn’t matter where he comes from. We must get our acts together”.

“The African continent, the black race and the entire world are looking up unto us. When we got our independence, what they were calling us was giant in the sun, but is that the situation today?”

“We have disappointed ourselves, we have disappointed the black race, Africa and the world at large. So, our concern is right, we have rubbished the value of integrity, no truth, no love, but it is not too late to retrace our steps. We must put the past behind us and work for the greatness of Nigeria”.

Obasanjo said, he shared the concerns of the group for the poor state of things in the country, but that the situation is not beyond salvaging as long everyone is ready to come together and work as a united nation.

Obasanjo said that he would forever remain a Pan-Africanist, a patriotic and Nationalistic Nigerian and a proud black man from the black race.

While advising the group to change its name to the National League of Democrats because the ideals it espoused cut across the nation, noted that he would not mind being their patron if he could not be an active member due to old age.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the group, Shekarau said the creation of the non-partisan group about three months ago was designed to rally good governance and oneness of the country.

The former governor said that the group is concerned about the issues of unity, youthful exuberance and employment, issues of education, good governance, credible people in government, insecurity and general underdevelopment of the country.

Shekarau said that the group which is made up of people of varying professions across the northern parts of the country decided to come together to see how it can influence good governance, selection of credible leaders among other efforts to address the problems confronting the country.

He lamented that it was unfortunate that registered 93m voters in the country cannot elect the ruling class members who he said are not more than 11,000.

Shekarau said “From all the 36 governors and their deputies, the President and his vice, the 469 lawmakers in both the House of Representatives and Senate, the councillors and the local government Chairmen, all of them are just a little over 11,000, yet the 93 million registered voters in the country cannot look around and elect credible leaders. So, all of these we hope to address with our advocacy as a group.”

The former governor also said that just like the former President has advised, the name of the group after due consultation will be made National to give everyone a sense of belonging.
VANGUARD

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
‎
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
‎
‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
‎
‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.