Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concern over Nigeria’s population growth, warning that if it is not matched with corresponding development, it could be a major problem by 2050.
Naijaonpoint reports that Obasanjo made this known on Tuesday, while speaking in Sokoto at the inauguration of the Bakhita ICT Centre at the Catholic Secretariat.
According to Obasanjo, the issue of Boko Haram is child’s play if the problem of population growth is not tackled.
The ex-President emphasised the importance of education and knowledge as essential tools for national development.
He said, “By the year 2050, people like the Sultan will be here. I am not praying to be here 25 years from now.
“We will have the problem of 400 million Nigerians that have to be provided with food, work, that have to be satisfied. If we fail to prepare for that, Boko Haram of today will be a child’s play. We have to take care of it now.”
Obasanjo also commended Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah for spearheading the ICT project, describing it as a facility for all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or gender.
He stressed that Nigerians should embrace the nation’s unity in diversity and resist external narratives that misrepresent the country.
He added, “If our diversity is taking along with good governance with everybody being included, then we will get there.
“Not will we be respected, we will be counted among the leading nations of the world.”
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, appreciated Obasanjo for gracing the occasion and urged Nigerians to emulate his dedication to promoting unity.
He emphasised the urgent need for Nigerians to unite in addressing security challenges and fostering development.
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