By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday advocated the use of african grown solutions to resolving the political and socioeconomic problems plaguing the african continent.
Obasanjo who drew inspiration from the peace brokered between Ethiopian Government and Tigray People Liberation Front(TPLF) by the representatives of African countries where he played a lead role using homemade ideas, urged African leaders to adopt such method to resolve continental crises, stop negative portrayal of their people and folding of hands while any African nation boils.
The elder statesman made this known when he received students’ leaders from the Ethiopia, the Tigray Region, South Sudan and Gambia, who were also joined by other student leaders including, the United Youth of Africa Nations (UNYAN) Federation under the aegis of All African Students Union (AASU) in Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital
The students comprising the President – Mekelle University Students’ Union, Weldebrhan Azazi, Oli Bedane Wako of the Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions Students Union (EHEISU), President – United Youth of Africa Nation (UYAN), Dr. Daysman Oyakhilome and President, All-Africa Students Union (AASU), H.E. Osisiogu Osikenyi paid a Thank You visit to Obasanjo where they presented to him, a letter titled, “Instrument of Gratitude to Baba” for his stabilising role and enduring legacies in Africa.
The ex – president noted that the home grown approach to resolving crisis in any part of Africa had been advocated by African leaders dating back to the era of the Organisation of African Unity(OAU), which metamorphosed into what is today known as African Union(AU).
He stressed that the local solution to Ethiopia – Tigray issues informed why there had not been any gun fire since November 2, 2022 when a Peace Deal was brokered between the waring parties.
According to him, no problem in Africa is too great for africans to solve by themselves be it problem of peace, problem of insecurity, problem of youths unemployment, youths’ lack of empowerment, youths’ lack of acquisition of skills, youths frustration and of course general bad governance.
He, however, called for a total demobilisation of the combatants so that those who were conscripted during the civil war would be able to go home and start their normal life while people in the IDP camps ought to have also gone home now and resumed their normal life with schools opened to allow students and teachers returned to their classes.
Obasanjo said, “What is very important and which I want you to take very very seriously is that what we were able to achieve in Tigray, the peace that we were able to achieve in Tigray between Tigris People Liberation Front (TPLF )and the Federal government of Ethiopia is what you and I will regard as finding African solution to African problem. And this is what our leaders have been clamouring for even from independence in the early 1960s.
“And how did it happen, AU decided that as our continental organisation, they should not continue to fold hands where there is war raging or where there is fire burning in any of our countries. Then they decided to appoint what they called High representative of the Horn of Africa, not only that all the leaders of the Horn of Africa supported the AU in seeking peace, in promoting peace, security, stability and enduring and sustainable development in the whole of the Horn of Africa. Not only that, we said to our development partners that they should let us be in the forefront, let us spare head, leave us in charge, but whatever assistance you want to give, give it within the demand and the requirement of those who are in charge of the process and that was what happened and we were able to get what we are celebrating today.
“AU took the right step, the right decision at the right time. That same organisation found the right the right instrument to it used to achieve the right purpose that it wanted to achieve. Then our leaders in the region and in the continent backed up the process and our development partners supported the AU effort, there was no question of doubt across purpose, we all worked together and archived together and we can all claim credit together and thank God together for what we have been able to achieve.
“It is a great lesson for us to know that yes, whatever may be our problem – political, economic, social in Africa we can solve them if we go about seeking solution rightly.
“No problem in Africa is too great for us to solve. Where there may be problem of peace, problem of insecurity, problem of youths unemployment, youths’ lack of empowerment, youths’ lack of acquisition of skills, youths frustration and of course general bad governance, but let me deal with the specific issue raised with the situation in Tigray.
“I think we must thank God and appreciate the fact that since 2nd of November last year, when the Pretoria agreement for cession of hostility was signed, there has not been a shot fired, but that is not enough, the fact that a shot has not been fired in anger does not mean that all is well and that is what you have pointed out.
“There should have been total demobilisation so that those who were conscripted during the civil war will be able to go home and start their normal life. There should have been nobody left in IDP camps, by now they should have gone home and resume their normal life. All schools should have opened by now and then of course there should be continued provision of humanitarian.”
He lamented that there were many things going wrong in Africa with a good number of them sounding quite unpleasant but said that should be a just and sufficient reason to use one brush to tar the whole continent black.
He said, “There are a lot of not so pleasant commentaries on Africa generally and on different countries. My point is that yes, there are many things going wrong in Africa but we cannot take one white brush and paint the whole Africa or the whole of a country and say Nigeria is only a country of cheaters. No, we have decent, honourable eminent Nigerians all over the world.
“I won’t because of one apple in a basket that is rotten and say I have a basket of rotten apples. I will say yes, I have a basket of apples but one is rotten.
“Yes, there are men and women who will fall short of expectation in character, in morality, in integrity and in honesty but don’t take a broad brush and paint a sad and bad image.
Where you have a population of 225 million people you must make allowance for a devil that will be among the saints and that happens in any country, not only in Nigeria alone.”
Speaking earlier, All-Africa Students Union (AASU) leader, Com. Osisiogu Osikenyi and others hailed Obasanjo’s leadership role and legacies in African, lamenting that if he were still in power, military coup would not have made its ugly come back to parts of African countries today.
“Today, we gather to address an important matter, one that carries both sorrow and hope. The deadliest war in Tigray region of Ethiopia has brought immense tragedy, claiming the lives of countless young individuals and leaving behind widespread destruction and trauma.
“Your excellency, we express our sincere gratitude for your extraordinary efforts in bringing about the historic signing of the Pretoria peace agreement among the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and Tigray Liberation Fronts. This momentous achievement has saved countless lives including me and provided a foundation upon which we can rebuild the war-torn region of Tigray.
“Baba, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering commitment in brokering the peace agreement in Ethiopia. Your contributions have brought a new sense of hope to our people, and we stand here today, forever grateful for your remarkable efforts.
“Yet, even as the sounds of gunfire have ceased, the suffering continues in Tigray. The situation is dire. Starvation persists, schools and healthcare facilities stand in ruins, and our education system faces unprecedented challenges. It is with humility that we approach you today, seeking your continued assistance.
“During a recent visit of AASU delegation led by the president H.E Osisegou to Tigray, Ethiopia we had the privilege of meeting Dr. Zeru Gebrelibanos, a philanthropist driven by his own initiative to build schools and support marginalized communities. Together, we discussed the funding of the Obasanjo Model Primary School, where Dr. Gebrelibanos has generously promised to contribute.
“Your Excellency, we now turn to you with great respect and admiration, kindly requesting your consideration of our plea. We implore you to lend your support in building this school, which will stand as a testament to your unwavering dedication to peace in Ethiopia. In recognition of your incredible legacy, this institution will bear your name, serving as a constant reminder of the transformative impact you have made.
“We thank you Baba, for your extraordinary contributions to the peace agreement. With your guidance and the collective efforts of compassionate philanthropists, we believe that we can forge a brighter and more prosperous future for all,” Osikenyi said.
