Former President Calls for Decolonisation, Launches Books on Slavery and Nigeria’s Future at 88th Birthday Celebration
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that Africa must completely break free from the residues of slavery and colonialism to achieve meaningful progress. Speaking at his 88th birthday celebration and book launch held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday, Obasanjo emphasized the need for the continent to confront its painful past to avoid being “re-enslaved.”
The event featured the unveiling of two books authored by Obasanjo: “Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation” and “Nigeria: Past and Future.” Reflecting on the themes of the books, Obasanjo lamented that Africa is yet to fully recover from the effects of the transatlantic and trans-Saharan slave trades.
“Part of our problems in Africa is what I may call residues of slave trade, slavery, and colonialism. Until we can break ourselves completely away from it, we may not be able to make progress as we should,” Obasanjo stated.
He warned that forgetting the dark history of slavery could lead to re-enslavement, urging Africans to learn from past mistakes and seek solutions collectively. “We must not forget slavery, whether transatlantic or trans-Saharan slave trade. They have the same effect on us. If we forget, not only will we continue to suffer from the effect, but we will be re-enslaved again,” he added.
Despite acknowledging Nigeria’s current challenges, Obasanjo expressed optimism about the country’s future. “For me, I am an incurable optimist about Nigeria. Yes, the situation is bad, no doubt, but I believe that in my lifetime, we will have a Nigeria that we will be proud of,” he said.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, praised Obasanjo as a global icon and pan-Africanist whose contributions to Africa remain invaluable.
Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, highlighted the persistence of modern slavery in Africa, revealing that over 12.5 million people on the continent are trapped in modern slavery, representing 60% of the global total.
Osaghae called for a “second independence” through meaningful decolonisation, urging Africans to unite and confront the lingering effects of colonialism. “We need a second independence, the independence of meaningful decolonisation, where we will finally confront the devils of colonisation and insist that Africa is our own,” he said.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, former governors Sule Lamido, Ibikunle Amosun, and Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, among others.
Obasanjo’s message underscores the urgent need for Africa to address its historical scars and chart a path toward true liberation and sustainable development.