Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised concerns over Nigeria’s fast-rising population, warning that failure to plan for the future could plunge the country into chaos by 2050.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Bakhita ICT Centre at the Catholic Secretariat in Sokoto, Obasanjo said Nigeria’s projected population of 400 million in the next 25 years would require massive investment in food security, jobs, and social stability. He cautioned that without preparation, the situation could lead to unrest far beyond the scale of Boko Haram’s insurgency.
He stressed that education and knowledge remain the strongest tools for Nigeria’s survival and development, urging leaders and citizens to prioritise investments in human capital.
Obasanjo also called for unity across ethnic and religious lines, warning against divisive narratives. He noted that diversity, when combined with good governance and inclusion, could help Nigeria rise to global relevance and respect.
At the event, he praised Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah for establishing the ICT centre, describing it as a facility open to all Nigerians regardless of background.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who attended the ceremony, urged Nigerians to embrace collective action to tackle insecurity and promote peace.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Aminu Dikko, commended the initiative and pledged the state government’s support for technology-driven education to create opportunities for future generations.


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