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Poor leadership, bad governance and corruption stifling Africa’s development – Obasanjo
Former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo has ascribed Africa’s rising poverty and underdevelopment to poor leadership, bad governance, and massive corruption by high-powered people in government.
The leadership letdowns, he said, had occasioned the rising crass economic mismanagement of economies, diversity frictions, and political segregation, leading to a loss of confidence in state institutions’ ability to provide public services.
“It is unfortunate that in some countries where the gatekeeper is the thief, the countries could only be made safe and secured by God.
“…and that is the situation we find ourselves in some countries if not all countries in Africa.
Your dream of security is dashed when your gatekeeper is the one who is the chief thief,” the former President stated.The former President, who is also an African Youth and Governance Convergence (AYGC) Eminent Fellow, was speaking at the opening of the 25th Session of AYGC at Mankessim on Monday.
Attending the seven-day event are 65 delegates from 27 African countries and the USA and Canada.
It was arranged by the Youth Bridge Foundation on the theme: “Advancing youth inclusive governance, peace, and security: The digital innovation factor.
”The forum seeks to harness the potential of the youth to become responsible and participating citizens for sustainable development.
It also aims to equitably harness the potentials of the youth by equipping them with appropriate capacity and platforms and advocating for inclusion and responsiveness to youth development needs and rights.
Former President Obasanjo said economic and political inclusion, particularly of women, youth, minorities and other marginalised groups, remained a major challenge though some African economies have seen sustained growth over the past few decades.
Such economic growth trajectories, he said, had not benefited most people in many countries and had widened the gap between the rich and poor as corrupt officials display opulence with impunity.
“We are in bad shape because leaders and governance in African countries, particularly the sub-region, have not been what they should be.
“We may go as far back and blame our colonial power, slave trade, but those who brought those things upon us knew what they were doing,” he said and adding that it was for their economic interest but at our expense.
The former President of Nigeria told African leaders to take responsibility for poverty and under-development rather than blaming colonialism.
They should stop “making excuses” for ongoing economic problems in their countries, and to look for solutions within rather than blaming the past.
For more than 60 years, he said Africa overcame colonialism as well as slavery more than 150 years ago, so what then is the excuse to continually blame the slave trade for the Continent’s predicaments?
He alluded to what he described as the ”unfortunate state of affairs in Nigeria”, saying it had no all-embracing peace, no security, and was dominated by Boko Haram, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, and organized criminals, human trafficking, arms trafficking, drug traffickers and money laundering.
In some cases, he indicated the powers that be, particularly some people in government at the highest level, were indirect participants, and encouragers and provided a haven for miscreants’ activities to fester.
Mr Julio de Mederios is with the Board of Foundation, a continental-oriented NGO committed to youth Inclusive and responsive development agenda.
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
