Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised concerns about the alarming number of children not receiving an education in Nigeria, warning that these out-of-school children could become future recruits for groups like Boko Haram, further jeopardizing the country’s security.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of two newly constructed roads in Bauchi State, Obasanjo highlighted data from the World Bank indicating that 20 million children – 10 percent of Nigeria’s population – are currently not enrolled in school. He expressed his fear that these children could be vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups in the future.
In addition to underscoring the missed opportunities for these children to develop their skills and contribute to society, Obasanjo emphasized the potential security risks associated with a large population of uneducated youth.
During the event, Obasanjo also emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups, sharing his own experience of discovering he was partially deaf during a meeting abroad. He stressed the need for individuals to prioritize their health and seek necessary medical attention to address any underlying conditions.
Furthermore, Obasanjo announced the launch of a distribution program for hearing aids, with the goal of providing assistance to thousands of individuals in need of auditory support. He emphasized the importance of addressing health issues and providing essential services to marginalized populations, particularly in regions affected by insecurity.
As security challenges persists, Obasanjo called for a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address the threats facing the country and safeguard its future.
