Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerians to take shared responsibility for the nation’s future, cautioning that real progress will remain out of reach unless citizens come together to tackle the country’s challenges.
Obasanjo made this known on Thursday at the 6th Annual Colloquium held to mark the 65th birthday of the founder of Trinity church, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, with the theme: “The Future of Nigeria.”
He said: “Until we come together to resolve this matter, there’s no way we can just expect a miracle to happen.
“Everybody has a role to play. It’s a collective responsibility for us. Nigeria’s future remains promising despite current challenges. Every citizen, from market women to professionals and political leaders, must contribute to shaping the country’s direction.”
Reinforcing his position, Obasanjo declared: “Until we come together to work and fix Nigeria, nobody will fix it for us.”
He noted that while leadership remains critical, the broader issue lies in collective participation and accountability.
He also emphasised the need to actively involve young people in governance and development processes, describing them as central to Nigeria’s future.
“The future is now and the country should involve the youth in governance; the future of Nigeria is in the youth,” he said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic advantage, he pointed out that, “the country’s youthful population presents a unique opportunity that must be harnessed through technology and innovation.
The event also attracted prominent dignitaries, including Vanguard publisher Sam Amuka, Africa’s richest woman Folorunsho Alakija, and Donald Duke, among others, who came together to honour Pastor Ighodalo.
In a shared view, participants noted that Nigeria is at a defining moment, where bold action, inclusive governance, and strategic investment in youth and infrastructure will shape the nation’s future in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
