By Charles Pemu 
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that Nigeria and Africa are sitting on a “keg of gunpowder” if poverty is not urgently addressed.
Speaking at Dele Momodu’s leadership lecture in Ibadan, Obasanjo said Nigeria has no excuse for widespread poverty, noting, “If China could lift 700 million people, we can too—with education, integrity, and good governance.”
He emphasized that leadership, security, and education are vital to ending hunger and poverty, adding, “No child should be left uneducated.”
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, echoed the call for patriotism and local investment, urging Nigerians to support homegrown industries. Governor Ademola Adeleke also stressed the need for humility in leadership and highlighted his development strides in Osun State.