Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his commitment to tackle human security in Africa, as he launched the “Obasanjo Foundation” in London.
He stated at the weekend during the launch in London of the foundation which had in attendance President Goodluck Jonathan, and his counterparts from Ghana, Liberia and Benin Republic.
“The Foundation is aimed at advancing human security in Africa within the context of tackling critical problems in the areas of food, economy, health and security, as well as gender equality,” Obasanjo said.
According to him, these challenges which are impeding economic growth of the continent will be addressed through the feed Africa initiative,girl child education, youth empowerment, and employment as well as health improvement initiative under the foundation.
“The initiatives of the foundation are those that I feel passionately about and have dedicated my life to work for their advancement.
“These initiatives are critical to the advancement of human security for my people, people can only progress in life when they are not hungry, when they are educated, and when jobs can be obtained by the youth of a nation.
“I make this heartfelt commitment that the foundation will make tremendous progress for those it intend to serve, and will leave a positive legacy throughout Africa,” Obasanjo said.
The former President said, “the desire to do good led me into this. Can anyone be tired of doing good? You need the will to do good and a bit of cash.”
Obasanjo who also stressed the need for Africa to key into the global trend, said change from the old order to present time was vital for development.
“You can not do the same thing year after year and expect progress.
“It is important to key into change because the consequences of change have better advantages.
“When change starts to yield result every body wants to identify with it, success has many fathers but failure is an orphan,” he emphasised.
While noting the role of women in change, he called for more encouragement for women in agriculture, food distribution, and marketing in Africa.
“I am a member of a group called Empower Women in Agriculture (EWA).
“We need to ensure that women are empowered especially in Agriculture, food distribution and marketing,” Obasanjo said in an interactive session at the launch.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the foundation seeks to achieve its objectives through partnerships, creating public awareness of the identified issues, and inspiring actions at all levels.
The event which was held at the Grosvenor Hotel Park Lane had more than 500 Guests in attendance.