Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has said the next generation of Africans have no alternative but to contribute to the repayment of the debt burden accrued by current leaders.
In 2003, during his presidency, Obasanjo secured debt relief for Nigeria, a move mirrored by his Algerian counterpart at the time.
Despite the previous debt write-offs, Obasanjo highlighted the rampant mismanagement that has occurred, making it exceedingly challenging for any administration to secure a similar relief in the continent.
Speaking at an engagement program with the 2023 awardees of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, an initiative by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Obasanjo labeled these debts as a perilous trap that individuals or nations should avoid, as they pose a significant obstacle to any economy.
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Emphasizing leadership as the primary challenge confronting the continent, Obasanjo asserted that the upcoming generations will inevitably bear the responsibility of repaying the current debts incurred by various countries in Africa.
He praised Pastor Oyakhilome for his efforts in nurturing leaders and expressed the need for more individuals like him to address the leadership crisis afflicting the continent.
During the question and answer session, Obasanjo outlined key qualities of a leader, stating that a leader should set positive examples, demonstrate boldness and courage in decision-making, accept and learn from mistakes, and possess a realistic vision for the future.