By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Dele Momodu Leadership Lecture, recently held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, provided a compelling platform for critical reflections on poverty and governance in Africa. Hosted by Governor Ademola Adeleke, the event featured a keynote lecture by former President Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), who delivered a thought-provoking message on the theme “How to End Hunger and Poverty in Africa.” Dr. Reuben Abati, who served as the Master of Ceremonies, expertly guided the proceedings, offering clear and insightful summaries of Obasanjo’s remarks.
In his address, former President Obasanjo did not mince words in his assessment of Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. He warned that the country is “sitting on a keg of gunpowder,” highlighting the paradox of a resource-rich nation struggling with widespread poverty. Obasanjo emphasized that if China could lift 700 million people out of poverty, Nigeria should have no excuse for severe hardship.
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Obasanjo illustrated his point with a vivid story from his time as President. During a visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) alongside the Ghanaian President, they marveled at the lush, fertile land. The Ghanaian President asked, “Why is this country poor?” To which Obasanjo replied, “Why should any African country be poor?”
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Governor Ademola Adeleke added his perspective, stressing that true leadership begins with the fear of God, listening to advice, and making decisions that prioritize the people’s welfare. “The best definition of a leader, as described by President Obasanjo, is being an influencer,” he emphasized.
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Obasanjo further highlighted the importance of leadership in poverty eradication. “Leadership is the greatest ingredient for ending poverty. There’s no human endeavor that does not thrive on leadership,” he stated. He underscored that education is a critical tool for overcoming poverty, insisting that no child should be left uneducated.
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A memorable moment of the lecture was Obasanjo’s “Holy, holy but e clean” story, set in a village church. As a pastor read a Bible verse saying “Holy, holy,” a woman, dressed in a torn but sparkling white dress, stood up proudly and declared, “Holy, holy but e clean.” Misunderstanding the pastor, she believed the verse referred to her appearance, poor yet spotless. The story captured the resilience, dignity, and self-respect of struggling families who, despite their poverty, maintained pride in cleanliness and integrity.
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The lecture distinguished between abject and relative poverty, emphasizing that abject poverty is marked by severe deprivation of basic needs, while relative poverty reflects inequalities even when basic survival is met.
For too long, African policymakers have relied on relief-driven solutions, providing temporary aid without addressing the root causes of poverty. Such an approach may alleviate hunger temporarily but fails to lift families out of poverty. Sustainable solutions require a multi-dimensional approach, including access to quality education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and infrastructural development.
Obasanjo underscored that Africa must prioritize transformative leadership, where leaders serve the people selflessly. “True leadership is about service, sacrifice, and sincerity,” he declared, urging African leaders to rise to the challenge.
The event was graced by a distinguished audience, including His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR (Ọjájá II), the Ooni of Ife; former President Goodluck Jonathan (represented); former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (represented); Mr. Femi Adesina (former Presidential spokesperson); Chief Alex Duduyemi; Prince Gbade Sijuwade; Prince Aderemi; Senator Bode Olajumoke; the owners of Tasty Fried Chicken; the Arise TV hosts; and Newspot Nigeria, represented by its Publisher, Sir Folu Olamiti, and Managing Editor, Abidemi Adebamiwa.
The Dele Momodu Leadership Lecture has once again sparked a critical conversation on African leadership and development. It challenged attendees to rethink poverty, not merely as a lack of food but as a broader societal issue requiring strategic, long-term solutions.
Newspot Nigeria is proud to be at the forefront of sharing these impactful insights, promoting informed discourse, and driving thought leadership across the continent.
