Debt is worse than leprosy – Obasanjo tackles Tinubu over borrowing comment
Obasanjo Calls for Self-Reliance Amid AI Development Discussions
ABEOKUTA, Ogun State — Former President Olusegun Obasanjo addressed the Ajibosin Platform on Friday, a public forum focused on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle grassroots issues and promote national development.
During the event, Obasanjo reflected on Nigeria’s economic challenges, stating that the country’s currency exchange rate has deteriorated dramatically over the past 47 years. He recalled that when he began his agricultural venture, the naira was valued at N1 to $1.85, questioning what steps have been taken since then to result in the current rate of N1,500 to a dollar. “What has Nigeria done in 47 years that we now have 1,500 naira to the dollar?” he asked.
His remarks prompted a broader critique of Nigerian leadership. Obasanjo inquired about the knowledge and capabilities of the country’s leaders, asking, “What do our leaders know? And what do they not know? And from what they know, what can they do for us?”
He also expressed concerns regarding Nigeria’s reliance on international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to Obasanjo, these institutions were not established with Nigeria’s interests in mind and warned against embracing foreign economic models without adapting them to the nation’s specific contexts. “World Bank and IMF were not designed for us. They were built before we became independent,” he stated.
Dr. Umar Ardo, a historian and public policy scholar, also spoke at the forum, emphasizing that AI alone cannot grant sovereignty to a society lacking control over its own institutions and resources. He discussed his experience using AI as a tool for research while writing his book, “The Nigerian Development Doctrine,” noting both its potential and limitations. “AI can extend human intellectual capacity, but it cannot produce the right solution for every problem,” he said, underscoring the need for human judgment in decision-making processes.
Ardo further cautioned that technology should not be viewed as neutral in its impact and stressed the importance of establishing a solid technological infrastructure in Nigeria. He warned that without building capacities such as chip fabrication and data centers, AI could become a means of managing Africa rather than facilitating the continent’s autonomy.
Earlier in the event, chairperson Mrs. Onikepo Akande highlighted the transformative nature of AI, noting its ability to change how individuals work and think. She urged Nigerians to embrace technology responsibly to enhance sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education, thereby fostering sustainable development.
