Obasanjo Advocates for Liberation and Optimism During 88th Birthday Celebration
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasizes the need for Africa to fully liberate itself from colonial and slavery remnants to progress. During his 88th birthday celebration and book launch, he unveiled two new books and urged a collective confrontation of historical injustices. Obasanjo identified himself as an incurable optimist regarding Nigeria’s future. The event also highlighted the urgent issue of modern slavery in Africa.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed his unwavering optimism regarding Nigeria during a recent event commemorating his 88th birthday and the launch of his new books at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He elaborated that the continent must entirely liberate itself from the residues of slavery and colonialism to achieve meaningful progress, emphasizing the need to confront its painful historical past.
At the event, Obasanjo unveiled two new works titled “Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation” and “Nigeria: Past and Future.” He warned against forgetting the impacts of historical injustices, stating, “Part of our problems in Africa is what I may call residues of slave trade, slavery and colonialism and until we can break ourselves completely away from it, we may not be able to make progress as we should do.”
Obasanjo highlighted the necessity of overcoming the effects of both transatlantic and trans-Saharan slave trades, cautioning, “If we forget, not only will we continue to suffer from the effect, but we will be re-enslaved again.” He conveyed hope for Nigeria’s future, asserting, “For me, I am an incurable optimist about Nigeria. Yes, the situation is bad no doubt, but I believe that in my lifetime, we will have a Nigerian that we will be proud of.”
The event also featured Dapo Abiodun, the state governor represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who reverently recognized Obasanjo as a global icon and pan-Africanist, critical to the continent’s progress. Eghosa Osaghae from the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs addressed the issue of modern slavery, revealing that over 12.5 million individuals are currently enslaved in Africa. He argued that for Africa to achieve genuine liberation, there is a need for a thorough process of decolonization, calling for a united front among Africans.
In conclusion, former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks underline the necessity of addressing the historical remnants of colonialism and slavery for Africa’s progress. The emphasis on remembering and confronting past injustices remains a fundamental aspect of seeking a brighter future for Nigeria and the continent at large. The event served as a reminder of the collective responsibility towards achieving true liberation and the importance of unity among African nations.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
