Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed serious concern about Nigeria’s rising population, warning that unchecked growth could have dire consequences for the nation.
Speaking in Sokoto at the inauguration of the Bakhita ICT Centre at the Catholic Secretariat, Obasanjo stressed the role of education and knowledge as vital tools for national progress.
“By the year 2050, people like the Sultan will be here. I am not praying to be here 25 years from now,” he remarked.
“We will have the problem of 400 million Nigerians that have to be provided with food, work, that have to be satisfied. If we fail to prepare for that, Boko Haram of today will be a child’s play. We have to take care of it now.”
The former president further urged Nigerians to value the country’s unity in diversity and resist divisive external narratives.
“If our diversity is taking along with good governance with everybody being included, then we will get there.
Not will we be respected, we will be counted among the leading nations of the world.”
He also commended Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah for initiating the ICT project, describing it as a facility for all Nigerians regardless of “religion, ethnicity, or gender.”
Also speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, expressed appreciation to Obasanjo for attending and called on citizens to emulate his commitment to unity. He stressed the need for Nigerians to come together in tackling insecurity and driving development.
Representing Governor Aliyu, Alhaji Aminu Dikko, the Chief of Staff to the Sokoto State Government, lauded both Obasanjo and the Catholic Diocese for the initiative. He assured that the state government remains dedicated to expanding technology education and creating opportunities for future generations.
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