Former president calls for generational shift in African leadership
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Africa’s young people to take active roles in shaping the continent’s political, social, and economic future, insisting that the time for youth leadership is now, not later.
Speaking during the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo said Africa’s youth population — one of the largest in the world — represents both a powerful demographic force and a moral responsibility.
“You are leaders of today because if you leave tomorrow in the hands of leaders who are there today, they will destroy it; you won’t have your tomorrow,” he declared to an audience of young leaders from across Africa.
The retreat, themed “Africa and the Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East,” was organised by the Youth Development Centre of the OOPL and drew participants from across Nigeria and other African countries.
“Africa cannot wait any longer,” says Obasanjo
The former president, who has long championed youth empowerment, said the continent’s development challenges — from poverty and corruption to insecurity — can only be meaningfully addressed when younger generations stop waiting for permission to lead.
“You can see what is happening almost everywhere,” he noted. “Cameroon just had an election. My brother, Paul Biya, is 92. So, what are you going to do with the youths — or are there no youths in Cameroon?”
Obasanjo’s remarks echo growing concerns about ageing political leadership in Africa, where the average head of state is over 60 years old, despite the median age of the population being under 20.
He warned that without a deliberate transfer of power and responsibility, Africa risks repeating cycles of stagnation that have held back progress for decades.
“Our continent cannot continue to recycle the same class of leaders and expect different outcomes. The youth must not just demand inclusion; they must prepare themselves to govern wisely and ethically,” he added.
Agwai: Trump’s warning on insecurity should wake up Nigeria’s leaders
At the same event, General Martin Luther Agwai (retd.), a former Chief of Defence Staff, also delivered a sobering message — this time on Nigeria’s security challenges and the international attention they continue to attract.
Reacting to recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly threatened possible military intervention in Nigeria over alleged widespread attacks on Christians, Agwai said the remarks, while controversial, should not be dismissed outright.
“We must treat Trump’s comments as a wake-up call rather than a threat,” Agwai said. “The world is watching how Nigeria manages its internal security, religious tensions, and human rights concerns. It is a reminder that we have much to do.”
Trump’s warning, which was widely reported last week, included claims that he had instructed the Pentagon to prepare “possible action” should Nigeria’s government fail to curb violence against Christians. He also hinted at suspending aid and pursuing what he called a “guns-a-blazing” response if killings persisted.
Agwai said while such statements should be approached cautiously, they underline the importance of addressing insecurity decisively and transparently.
“Security is not only about guns and soldiers; it is also about justice, equity, and trust. The Nigerian government must work harder to restore public confidence and protect all citizens, regardless of faith,” he added.
Youth, governance, and the future of peace
The mentorship retreat offered a platform for honest dialogue on how young Africans can drive peacebuilding and innovation across the continent.
Obasanjo urged participants to see leadership beyond political office, describing it as a mindset rooted in service and accountability.
“Leadership begins in how you manage your classroom, your business, your neighbourhood, or your family. If you get that right, the rest follows naturally,” he said.
Participants discussed regional conflicts in the Sahel, Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine, drawing lessons on diplomacy, resilience, and the impact of global politics on Africa’s stability.
The former president encouraged the youth to stay informed, stay involved, and stay united. He reminded them that many of Africa’s liberation movements and post-independence governments were led by people in their 20s and 30s — a testament to what is possible when young minds act with courage and conviction.
A call to action for Africa’s next generation
As the retreat concluded, the message from Abeokuta was unmistakable: Africa’s young people can no longer afford to wait their turn.
In Obasanjo’s words, “The future belongs to those who claim it today.”
With over 70 percent of Africa’s population under 35, analysts say the continent’s transformation will depend not just on economic reforms or foreign aid, but on how boldly its youth choose to lead — in classrooms, communities, and national decision-making tables.
