Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that his outspoken nature on national and international issues was the reason he was imprisoned under the military regime of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, in 1995.

During an interactive session with 15 young leaders from across Africa at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) over the weekend, Obasanjo shared insights into his life, including his decision to seek the presidency in 1999, driven by a desire to prevent Nigeria’s disintegration. He admitted that after retiring from military service at the age of 42, he had settled into agriculture before being drawn back into political leadership.

In a statement from his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo explained that his prison experience was a significant challenge in his life, stemming from his refusal to remain silent on pressing issues. He reflected, “I joined the Army, and at the age of 42, I completed my career as a military officer. But what could I do? I was still young, energetic, and dynamic, so I took to agriculture. During that time, I went into prison, which was not what I wanted.”

He continued, “Going to prison was a challenge because I refused to keep quiet. If there was something to comment on, I did. As a result, I landed in prison. When I came out, the situation in the country was dire, and some felt the need for salvation, which led to increasing pressure on me.”

READ ALSO:Appeal Court vacates order nullifying Sanusi’s reinstatement as Emir

Gov Makinde approves new Alaafin as Kingmakers kick

Addressing concerns about African debt, Obasanjo lamented that many debts incurred by countries on the continent were reckless and often linked to outright corruption. He cited a specific case in Nigeria, where a loan for a carpet industry was fully repaid despite the site never being cleared.

Obasanjo commended the participants and organizers of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, particularly its founder, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, for hosting the 2024 edition of the program. He praised Oyakhilome’s efforts since 2013, stating, “What Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has been doing is marvelous. Some may say it is just a drop in the ocean, but many drops make the ocean. I am very pleased with this project and wish him all the best.”

He encouraged the young leaders to carry the torch of leadership and inspire others, saying, “You have the opportunity to spread the message to other parts of the world by inspiring, enriching, and providing for others. Go and be the African leaders of today; it is no longer tomorrow but today with positive disruptive action.”

The Star Prize winner of the 2024 edition, Julian New Ariori from the Republic of Benin, expressed gratitude on behalf of her fellow winners for the opportunity to visit the Presidential Library, which she said opened new vistas for orientation and exposure. Participants included youths from Libya, Morocco, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, South Sudan, Malawi, Egypt, Cameroon, Togo, Ghana, Lesotho, Rwanda, and Burkina Faso, with Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe serving as the chaperone for the visiting team.