OBJ urges FG to adopt Zimbabwean model on inflation

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has suggested that the Nigerian government should consider adopting the Zimbabwean model to address the current issue of rampant inflation.

He made this suggestion during a Youth Leadership Symposium, titled “Opportunities for Peace: Roles of the Youths in Conflict Prevention in Africa,” held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State. This event was organized as part of the activities marking his 87th birthday.

Emphasizing the importance of peace in resolving problems within Africa, the former president, who celebrated his 87th birthday on March 5, urged young people to prioritize peace over confrontation. Given Nigeria’s inflation rate of 29.9 percent, he saw no harm in Nigeria seeking guidance from Zimbabwe on how they successfully tackled a similar challenge.

The symposium was jointly organized by the Center for Human Security and Dialogue in collaboration with the Institute for African Culture and International Understanding at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

“We must embrace love, tolerance, and view peace as non-negotiable for economic growth and prosperity.” He asserted.

President Obasanjo stressed the importance of young people being at the forefront of promoting peace, rather than being drawn into conflicts and used as agents of destabilization.

He urged the cultivation of a culture of peace and security among the youth, emphasizing that a culture of love would lead to peace.

President Obasanjo cited examples from the Bible, such as Esther and Joseph, to illustrate the impact of youthful intervention in securing their people’s well-being.

Furthermore, President Obasanjo advised young people to confront life challenges head-on, believing that with the help of God, no obstacle is insurmountable.

The program’s coordinator, Prof. Peter Okebukola, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, highlighted the symposium’s purpose: to reinforce Chief Obasanjo’s commitment to the belief that African youths play a pivotal role in achieving peace across the continent.

Okebukola, who also serves as the director of the Institute for African Culture and International Understanding at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, stated that the event demonstrated the belief that it was not enough to simply include young people in the decision-making process; their involvement must be meaningful and influential.

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