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Obasanjo: Nigeria has become a burial ground for policies

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 20th, 2024.

Obasanjo: Nigeria has become a burial ground for policies

Olusegun Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo stated on Saturday that Nigeria has become a “burial ground for policies,” causing the nation to take “two steps forward and three steps back.”

He emphasized that while Nigeria has no shortage of policies aimed at achieving greatness, many remain unimplemented or poorly executed.

“It’s not enough for leaders to simply announce policies. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s policies often go unfulfilled,” he said. “Real progress comes from taking decisive action rather than merely wishing for advancement. As long as we continue this cycle, true progress will remain out of reach.”

Obasanjo spoke as the Special Guest of Honour at the Olusegun Obasanjo Space Centre in Abuja during the 8th Engr Brig Gen (rtd) Michael Agu Annual Distinguished Lecture and Awards. He reflected on his administration’s plans to launch Nigeria’s first satellite in collaboration with China and highlighted the initiative to train over 100 Nigerian engineers in various specializations through the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

He expressed disappointment that the progress he envisioned has not materialized, noting that at one point, NASRDA struggled to pay its employees. The event focused on Nigeria’s 21 years in space, examining achievements, challenges, and future prospects, and Obasanjo was honored as the Grand Commander of Nigerian Space Exploration.