Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on citizens to take collective responsibility for the nation’s future, warning that meaningful progress will remain unattainable without unity and shared commitment, Peak Newspaper reports
Obasanjo made the remarks on April 9, 2026, at the 6th Annual Colloquium held in Lagos to mark the 65th birthday of Trinity Church founder, Pastor Itua Ighodalo. The event, themed The Future of Nigeria, brought together stakeholders from across sectors to deliberate on the country’s development trajectory.
Represented by Prof. Adedeji Daramola of the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute, the former president stressed that nation-building is a collective duty that goes beyond government, involving every Nigerian regardless of status or profession. He warned against relying on miracles, insisting that citizens must actively participate in shaping the country’s future.
Until we come together to work and fix Nigeria, nobody will fix it for us, Obasanjo said, emphasizing that sustainable development requires unity, accountability, and active civic engagement.
He further highlighted the critical role of young people in national development, describing them as central to Nigeria’s future and urging greater inclusion of youth in governance and decision-making processes. According to him, Nigeria’s large youth population presents a significant opportunity that can be harnessed through technology and innovation.
Other speakers at the event echoed similar concerns, calling for structural reforms, improved governance, and increased investment in local production and infrastructure.
Participants agreed that Nigeria stands at a crucial turning point, where decisive action and collective effort will determine its long-term stability and growth.
