Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for greater involvement of the private sector in Nigeria’s energy sector, asserting that the government alone cannot address the country’s ongoing electricity crisis. This statement was made during the Youth Governance Dialogue, themed “African Youth and Renaissance,” at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Obasanjo highlighted the need for Nigeria to adopt a model similar to that which successfully transformed the telecommunications industry. He argued that without transferring greater responsibility to private operators, the nation’s electricity challenges would persist.
The former president pointed out that energy is crucial for economic growth and national development, lamenting that Nigeria has made insufficient strides in resolving its power issues. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism in the potential of young Nigerians to contribute innovative solutions to the crisis, encouraging them to turn their ideas into practical applications.
At the dialogue, Oluwaseun Obasanjo, a speaker at the event, urged Nigerian youths to embrace innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship to tackle the country’s development challenges. He noted that despite issues such as inadequate electricity and infrastructure, Nigeria’s vast population and consumer market present significant opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Oluwaseun emphasized the need for homegrown solutions to compete with foreign businesses in the burgeoning market. He encouraged young people to identify problems within their communities and workplaces and to develop innovative solutions that can add economic value. He also warned that failure to adapt to modern technology and artificial intelligence could leave them behind in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Dr. Ayodele Aderinwale, a mentor at the program, called on young Nigerians to strengthen their engagement in governance through evidence-based advocacy and meaningful participation. He advised them to develop credible proposals supported by facts and data, stressing the importance of understanding government budgets and public service delivery.
He encouraged youths interested in influencing policies to actively engage with political processes and established institutions, rather than confining their participation to election cycles. Aderinwale highlighted the necessity of acquiring skills in organizational management to build sustainable governance structures.
