A Call for Positive Disruption from Former President Olusegun Obasanjo
At a recent gathering, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo addressed a group of young leaders, urging them to embrace the concept of being “positively disruptive” in order to claim their rightful roles in shaping the future of Africa. The event, known as the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat (6.0), was organized by the Youth Development Centre, an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) located in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The retreat, which focused on the theme “Africa and the Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East,” brought together participants from across Nigeria and other African countries. This platform allowed for meaningful discussions on the challenges facing the continent and the potential solutions that can be driven by the youth.
Obasanjo highlighted the issue of “sit-tight syndrome” in many African nations, where long-standing leaders remain in power despite the need for fresh perspectives and new ideas. He emphasized that the youth must not wait for the future to take control; instead, they should step forward as leaders today. His message was clear: if the current generation of leaders continues to hold power, the future will be at risk.
He used the example of Cameroon, where 92-year-old Paul Biya still holds significant influence. Obasanjo questioned the role of the youth in such scenarios, asking, “What are you going to do with the youths, or are there no youths in Cameroon?” He also pointed to Nigeria’s NotTooYoungToRun movement, which has led to legal changes allowing younger candidates to run for office. However, he noted that some of those who supported the law are over 80 years old, raising concerns about when the youth will have real opportunities to lead.
Obasanjo stressed the importance of being “positively disruptive.” He explained that this means challenging the status quo in a constructive way. Using an analogy, he said, “If three people are sitting and two of them start to press the one in the middle, when it becomes uncomfortable for him, it is either he yields the space or allows them to share.” He encouraged the youth to push for change and not remain passive.
In addition to disruption, Obasanjo emphasized the power of numbers. He pointed out that the youth form a significant portion of Africa’s population, but their influence will only matter if they use their numbers strategically. “You have the number, but the number will only matter when you use the number to your advantage,” he said.
However, Obasanjo also expressed concern about the trustworthiness of some youth in government positions. He suggested that there are instances where young leaders have not proven themselves capable of handling responsibility effectively.
Peace Talks as a Solution to Conflict
During the retreat, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), a former Chief of Defence Staff and keynote speaker, advocated for peace talks as the most effective way to resolve conflicts. He argued that war is often a result of unresolved issues and that people tend to return to negotiations even when they are fighting over resources.
Agwai stated, “War is necessary and war will continue as long as people do not know how to solve their problem amicably.” He added that every conflict eventually ends through dialogue, regardless of the initial intentions of the parties involved. “Why don’t we then find a way of win-win for all of us rather than a winner and a loser,” he asked.
Encouragement for the Youth
Dr Bisi Kolapo, the Chairperson of the Youth Development Centre, delivered a powerful message to the attendees. She urged the youth to overcome fear and excuses in their pursuit of success. “You must believe in Nigeria because Nigeria will be great and rise again,” she said.
Her words served as a reminder that the future of Africa lies in the hands of its youth. With determination, resilience, and a willingness to challenge the status quo, the next generation can drive meaningful change across the continent.