Obasanjo urges Nigeria to embrace Zimbabwean model in tackling soaring inflation

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, marked his 87th birthday with a call for the Federal Government to adopt the Zimbabwean model to address the pressing issue of galloping inflation. Speaking at a Youth Leadership Symposium in Abeokuta, he emphasized the importance of peace and urged African youths to play a pivotal role in conflict prevention across the continent.

In his address at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the former president highlighted Nigeria’s inflation rate at 29.9 percent and suggested seeking a solution by learning from Zimbabwe’s experience. The symposium, themed “Opportunities for Peace: Roles of The Youths in Conflict Prevention in Africa,” brought together experts from the Centre for Human Security and Dialogue and the Institute for African Culture and International Understanding.

Obasanjo stressed the need for Africans to reject hatred and negative attitudes that contribute to conflicts and violence. He advocated for a cultural shift towards love, tolerance, and viewing peace as non-negotiable for economic growth and prosperity.

The former President drew parallels from biblical figures like Esther and Joseph, urging youths to be agents of peace and promoters of dialogue over violence. Reflecting on Nigeria’s past civil war, he emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through roundtable discussions, despite previous hardships.

Addressing life challenges, Obasanjo encouraged the youth to stand firm, believing that with faith in the Almighty, no mountain is insurmountable. The symposium’s coordinator, Prof Peter Okebukola, highlighted the event’s purpose—to emphasize Obasanjo’s commitment to empowering African youths as catalysts for positive change and peace.

Okebukola emphasized that it is not enough to grant young people a seat at the table; their involvement must be vital and meaningful. The symposium aimed to achieve this through targeted interventions, inclusive policies, and international collaboration, paving the way for a more peaceful and harmonious society in West Africa.