In a recent discussion at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, urged African leaders to prioritize indigenous solutions for the continent’s challenges.
Engaging with a delegation of African students and youth, including leaders from Ethiopia and the Tigray region, Obasanjo emphasized the capacity within Africa to tackle its own issues. Osisiogu Osikenyi, the president of the All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU), led the delegation.
Their visit recognized Obasanjo’s significant role in mediating the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement between Ethiopia’s government and the Tigray Peoples’ Liberation Front (TPLF).
“There’s no African problem too large for us to handle,” Obasanjo confidently expressed. He pointed out the importance of understanding Africa’s unique characteristics when crafting and executing solutions.
Obasanjo highlighted the African Union (AU) initiatives and cited its involvement in resolving the Tigray-Ethiopia civil war as an example of indigenous problem-solving. “We can address any issue – whether political, economic, or social – if we approach solutions correctly,” he added.
Oli Wako, president of the Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions Students’ Union (EHEISU), voiced the delegation’s gratitude for Obasanjo’s critical contribution to the Pretoria Peace Agreement. He stressed that the ex-president’s efforts played a pivotal role in ending the devastating war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.
“This war has taken countless young lives, leaving destruction and trauma in its wake. Your initiative saved numerous lives and laid a foundation for Tigray’s rehabilitation,” Wako said. Expressing deep appreciation, he added, “Your efforts have instilled new hope in our communities.”
According to a report by People’s Gazette, the delegation also conveyed their hopes for Obasanjo’s continued support and guidance in the region’s ongoing peace and reconstruction efforts.
