Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed Nigeria’s widespread poverty and hardship to bad leadership, stressing that the country has abundant resources that should prevent such struggles.
Speaking at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Methodist Archdiocese of Abuja on Sunday, Obasanjo remarked that with the wealth of God-given resources at Nigeria’s disposal, poverty should not be an issue. However, he criticized leaders for mismanaging these assets, leading to the country’s current challenges.
Obasanjo underscored that Nigeria is blessed with the natural resources necessary for greatness, urging leaders to better utilize these for national development. Reflecting on the message delivered by the Methodist Prelate, Dr. Oliver Aba, he emphasized the need to appreciate and harness God’s provisions for the nation.
Highlighting the country’s assets—such as the Rivers Niger and Benue, crude oil, and fertile land—Obasanjo drew a comparison to Egypt’s reliance on the River Nile. He stressed that Nigeria’s resources could position it for prosperity, but these blessings have been underutilized.
“Nigeria was not created to struggle,” he said. “Many nations envy the resources we take for granted.”
He called on political and religious leaders, as well as citizens, to pray for Nigeria’s recovery. Acknowledging that the country’s problems are not due to a lack of resources, Obasanjo said, “We have misused the gifts God has given us, but if we humble ourselves and seek His guidance, He will heal our land.”
