By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Accept
Okay.ngOkay.ngOkay.ng
Font ResizerAa
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Reading: Obasanjo Reflects on Prison Experience, Calls for Youth Leadership in Africa
Share
Font ResizerAa
Okay.ngOkay.ng
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Search
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Follow US
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2022 - All rights reserved
News

Obasanjo Reflects on Prison Experience, Calls for Youth Leadership in Africa

Muhammad A. Aliyu
By Muhammad A. Aliyu
Published: January 11, 2025
Share
2 Min Read
Olusegun Obasanjo
Olusegun Obasanjo
SHARE

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that his outspoken nature on national and international issues led to his imprisonment under the regime of late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, in 1995.

Obasanjo shared these insights on Friday while addressing 15 young leaders from across Africa at an interactive session held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The youth were participants of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, which included winners of the prestigious Future Africa Leaders Awards.

Speaking about his journey, Obasanjo said his refusal to remain silent on critical issues of governance and leadership ultimately landed him in jail.

“Going into prison is really a challenge because I refused to keep quiet. For me, if there is anything to comment on, I did comment on them, and so, I landed in prison. That is a challenge,” he said.

- Advertisement -

Reflecting on his decision to run for president in 1999 after his release, Obasanjo explained that his motivation was to prevent Nigeria from collapsing.

“When I came out from prison, the situation was so bad in the country that some people felt the need to be saved, and pressure started coming,” he said.

Obasanjo, who transitioned into agriculture at the age of 42 after retiring from the military, also shared how this phase of his life was interrupted by his incarceration.

“I joined the Army, and at the age of 42, I finished my career as a military officer. But what could I do? I was still young, energetic, and dynamic. So, I took to agriculture, and during that time, I went into prison, and that is not what I really wanted,” he added.

- Advertisement -

During the session, Obasanjo also addressed Africa’s growing debt crisis, criticizing the financial recklessness and corruption behind many of the loans.

“Most of the debts cannot be explained. Some are outright corruption,” he lamented.

Stay Updated on the Go with Our Latest News—Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
TAGGED:obasanjo
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Email Copy Link Print
ByMuhammad A. Aliyu
Follow:
Muhammad Ameer Aliyu, is a prolific journalist who joined Okay Nigeria in 2015 with the aim staying committed to bringing more positive growth to the digital news platform. He is the Senior Editor at Okay Nigeria.
Previous Article Muyiwa Adejobi Police Deny Reports of Hacking in Enugu State Government Account
Next Article Full List of CR7 Hotels in the World

Connect with Okay on Social

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
TelegramFollow

Dollar/Naira Rates

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate

Okay.ng Logo
Buy Rate ₦1,605.00
Sell Rate ₦1,620.00

Last updated: 3 days ago (June 3, 2025 2:33 pm)

Displayed rates are for informational purposes only and are subject to change.

USD/NGN Converter

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Recent Posts

Dangote Names Main Refinery Access Road “Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road” in Honor of President
News
L-R: Ify Okoye, Digital Creator; Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Actress; Stella Erebor, Head Internal Audit, Nigerian Communications Commission; Emanuella Samuel, Comedienne/Actress, Sylvia Musalagani, Safety Policy Manager, Africa, Middle East & Turkey (AMET), Meta, and Nicole Chikwe, founder of The Mummy Summit, during the launch of Instagram teen accounts in Lagos on Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Meta Launches Teen Accounts on Instagram in Nigeria to Enhance Online Safety for Young Users
Tech
President Tinubu and Top Officials Attend Eid-el-Kabir Prayers in Lagos, Emphasize Peace and Progress
News
Elon Musk’s Net Worth Plummets $34 Billion Amid Explosive Feud with Donald Trump
International
BREAKING: Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno Defects from PDP to APC in Strategic Political Shift
Politics Top stories
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You May Also Like

NewsTop stories

BREAKING: Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, Passes Away at 89

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
June 6, 2025
International

Russia Launches Deadly Drone and Missile Strikes Across Ukraine Following Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Bomber Fleet

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
June 6, 2025
Top stories

MTN Nigeria Doubles ICT Industry Average with 41.4% Female Workforce Representation

Muhammad A. Aliyu
Muhammad A. Aliyu
June 6, 2025
Okay.ngOkay.ng
Follow US
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2025 - All rights reserved
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
adbanner
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?