Former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future during his 88th birthday celebration. He emphasized the need for Africa to overcome the legacies of slavery and colonialism to enable progress. His new books were launched, reflecting on the continent’s painful past. Eghosa Osaghae highlighted modern slavery’s prevalence in Africa and called for a second independence focused on decolonization. The event gathered numerous distinguished guests, reinforcing Obasanjo’s influential role.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed a steadfast optimism regarding Nigeria’s future during his 88th birthday celebration and book launch at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta. He emphasized the necessity for Africa to free itself from the legacies of slavery and colonialism in order to achieve true progress. Obasanjo lamented that the continent continues to grapple with the repercussions of its historical injustices.
At the book launch, two works were unveiled: “Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation,” and “Nigeria: Past and Future.” He articulated the importance of recognizing past suffering, stating that forgetting the traumas of slavery, whether transatlantic or trans-Sahara, risks perpetuating a cycle of reenslavement. He observed that Africa has yet to fully recover from the aftermath of two centuries of bondage.
In his remarks, Obasanjo noted that until Africa fully disengages from its colonial past, meaningful progress remains a challenge. He asserts his confidence in Nigeria’s potential to flourish as he declared, “I am an incurable optimist about Nigeria.” Furthermore, Dapo Abiodun, the state governor, represented by Deputy Noimot Salako-Oyedele, lauded Obasanjo as a global icon and integral figure in pan-Africanism.
Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, highlighted the staggering reality that over 12.5 million Africans are currently subjected to modern slavery, a staggering portion of the global total. He called for a renewed form of independence focused on genuine decolonization, emphasizing that Africa must confront its colonial past collaboratively. He stated, “We need a second independence, it is the independence of meaningful decolonisation where we will finally confront the devils of colonisation.”
The event was attended by esteemed guests including state governors, former political leaders, and high-profile figures, underscoring the significance of Obasanjo’s contributions to the discourse surrounding Africa’s future and liberation from colonial ties.
In conclusion, Olusegun Obasanjo advocates for a complete break from the residues of colonialism and slavery to enable Africa’s progression. He underscores the importance of recognizing historical injustices to prevent future reenslavement, expressing hope for a proud Nigerian identity. The call for a second independence through meaningful decolonization resonates as a crucial step toward true liberation in Africa, supported by a coalition of notable figures at the event.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
