Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has shared his insights on the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East region of Nigeria, revealing what he learned from the group’s founders. Speaking at the book launch of ‘Pillars of Statecraft: Nation-building in a changing world,’ authored by his daughter, Dr Kofo Obasanjo-Blackshire, in Lagos, Obasanjo disclosed that poverty and unemployment were the driving factors behind the individuals who founded Boko Haram.
Obasanjo emphasized the urgent need to address the issue of over 20 million out-of-school children in the country, as he believed they could become potential recruits for future Boko Haram members if left unattended. He also expressed concern about the political nature of government policies in recent times, pointing out that the tendency to search for scapegoats hindered the country’s progress.
Recalling his encounter with the group’s representatives during the early days of Boko Haram, Obasanjo highlighted their desire for a better life. He acknowledged their belief in Sharia Law but assured them that it was already incorporated into the Nigerian constitution, thus not a point of contention. Obasanjo further revealed that some members of the insurgency had received an education but were unable to secure employment, posing the question of whether they should be blamed for seeking livelihood opportunities.
Addressing the fundamental aspects of nation-building, Obasanjo stressed the significance of governance and leadership. He cautioned that without proper attention to these areas, the nation would encounter numerous challenges. He urged Nigerians to confront their problems directly instead of shifting blame onto others.
Obasanjo drew attention to the staggering number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, emphasizing that this issue should be a cause for concern. He dismissed the notion that external factors alone were responsible for problems such as Boko Haram, pointing out that poverty, a conscious or unconscious choice of leaders, also played a role. He emphasized that the nation must prioritize its people and find effective ways to uplift and value them.
Ultimately, Obasanjo’s remarks underscored the need for proactive measures to address poverty, unemployment, and education gaps in Nigeria, while advocating for accountable leadership and a comprehensive approach to tackle the root causes of insurgency.