Africa’s Poverty is Man-Made, Not an Act of God – Obasanjo Speaks In Kenya

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has cautioned that there will be trouble if African leaders do not tackle the challenges facing the continent’s youth.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the FESTAC Africa Festival at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, Kenya, Obasanjo emphasized that Africa’s widespread poverty is man-made and not an act of God.

“Africa has no reason to be poor. Our poverty is not an act of God. We are steeped in poverty due to our poor mentality. We need to wake up because we have a wealth of resources,” he said, adding that Africa’s historical exploitation has enriched others while leaving the continent impoverished.

Reflecting on the return of the Festival of Arts and Culture, Obasanjo recalled hosting the second edition in Nigeria in 1977 during his tenure as military head of state. He expressed gratitude to the governor of Kisumu County for hosting the current festival, calling it a “renaissance and rebirth of FESTAC.”

Obasanjo also stressed that although Africa has achieved political liberation, economic freedom remains elusive. “We have everything needed to create wealth. No one will do it for us. We must do it ourselves. If we don’t act, we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder. Our youth are restless, unhappy, bitter, angry, unemployed, and dissatisfied. They cannot wait for a long-promised future. They want action now. If we fail to deliver, we will be in trouble. However, we can meet their needs because we have the capability.”