Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a thought-provoking address on Monday, urged the Nigerian government to seek insights from Zimbabwe in tackling the current unprecedented inflation plaguing the nation.
With Nigeria grappling with a staggering inflation rate of 29.9%, Obasanjo emphasized that Zimbabwe, having recently navigated a similar economic challenge, could offer invaluable advice.
The National Bureau of Statistics’ latest report underscores the severity of Nigeria’s economic plight, with skyrocketing prices of essential goods and services exacerbating the burden on citizens, leading to sporadic protests across the country.
Speaking at a youth leadership symposium themed “Opportunities for Peace: Roles of the Youths in Conflict Prevention in Africa,” held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the former President emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from past experiences. He stressed that adversity should be met with resilience and a willingness to learn from those who have triumphed over similar trials.
Obasanjo urged Nigerians to adopt a proactive approach in confronting challenges, emphasizing that seeking guidance from countries like Zimbabwe, which have successfully addressed comparable issues, could provide valuable insights. Despite potential differences in approach, he emphasized the importance of leveraging shared experiences to navigate towards solutions.
Additionally, he emphasized the significance of dialogue as a means to resolve conflicts across the African continent, advocating for peaceful resolutions over violence or coercion.
Obasanjo’s remarks underscore the need for innovative approaches to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, highlighting the importance of learning from global experiences and fostering dialogue for sustainable solutions.