By Juliet Umeh

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerians to take collective responsibility for the country’s future, warning that meaningful progress will remain elusive unless citizens unite to address national challenges.

Obasanjo made this known on Thursday at the 6th Annual Colloquium held to mark the 65th birthday of the founder of Trinity church, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, with the theme: “The Future of Nigeria.”

The former president, who was represented by the Deputy Chief Executive Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute, Prof. Adedeji Daramola, stressed that nation-building is a shared duty that cuts across all segments of society.

He said: “Until we come together to resolve this matter, there’s no way we can just expect a miracle to happen.

“Everybody has a role to play.  It’s a collective responsibility for us. Nigeria’s future remains promising despite current challenges. Every citizen, from market women to professionals and political leaders, must contribute to shaping the country’s direction.”

Reinforcing his position, Obasanjo declared: “Until we come together to work and fix Nigeria, nobody will fix it for us.”

He noted that while leadership remains critical, the broader issue lies in collective participation and accountability.

He also emphasised the need to actively involve young people in governance and development processes, describing them as central to Nigeria’s future.

“The future is now and the country should involve the youth in governance; the future of Nigeria is in the youth,” he said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic advantage, he pointed out that, “the country’s youthful population presents a unique opportunity that must be harnessed through technology and innovation.

“With the current artificial intelligence and technological dispensation, Nigeria should take advantage of it in such a way that we can make our youth benefit from it,” he added.

Other speakers at the event echoed similar concerns about Nigeria’s trajectory, calling for urgent reforms across key sectors.

Economist Prof. Eghosa Osagie emphasised local production, cautioning, “Don’t consume what you don’t produce.”

On governance, Ms. Opeyemi Adamolekun of Enough is Enough Nigeria warned that “politics in Nigeria has become incredibly commercial,  reduced to transactional exchanges,” while technology investor Iyinoluwa Aboyeji noted structural gaps, observing that “the bulk of connectivity still sits in Lagos.”

The event also featured notable dignitaries, including the publisher of Vanguard newspaper, Sam Amuka, Africa’s richest woman, Folorunsho Alakija, and Donald Duke, among others, who gathered to honour Pastor Ighodalo.

Collectively, participants agreed that Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, where decisive action, inclusive governance, and strategic investment in youth and infrastructure will determine the country’s future in an increasingly competitive global landscape.