Former President Obasanjo: "No One Will Fix Nigeria for Us Until We Unite."

Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president, has encouraged Nigerians to share accountability for the country’s advancement, warning that meaningful development will remain out of reach unless citizens unite to confront the country’s challenges.

Obasanjo made the announcement on Thursday during the Sixth Annual Colloquium held to mark the 65th birthday of Itua Ighodalo, founder of Trinity Church. The event, themed “The Future of Nigeria,” featured discussions on the country’s path forward.

On behalf of the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute, Prof. Adedeji Daramola, the former president stressed that nation-building is a shared duty that cuts across all sectors of society.

He warned against expecting sudden miracles without deliberate action, saying every Nigerian, from market women to professionals and political leaders, must play a role in shaping the nation’s direction.

Obasanjo said, “Nobody will fix Nigeria for us until we come together to work and fix it,” adding that while leadership is vital, true progress depends on collective participation and accountability.

He also highlighted the importance of involving young people in governance and national development, describing them as the backbone of Nigeria’s future.

In his words, Nigeria’s large youth population presents a major advantage that must be harnessed through technology and innovation. 

In order to empower young Nigerians and promote long-term progress, he urged stakeholders to take advantage of innovations like artificial intelligence.