Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Africa’s youth to play a more active role in leadership across the continent, emphasizing that they are not just “leaders of tomorrow” but leaders of today.

Speaking on Monday at the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo stressed that Africa’s growing youth population should harness their energy and numbers positively to drive transformation and development.

The event, themed “Africa and the Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East”, was organised by the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

“The youth of Africa must be positively disruptive. They must engage actively in governance and societal change because their participation is critical for the continent’s future,” Obasanjo said.

Also addressing the retreat, former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (retd.), said the recent threat by United States President Donald Trump over alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian leaders.

He urged authorities to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity and protecting citizens.

The mentorship retreat brought together young leaders from across Africa, providing them with a platform to discuss regional conflicts, leadership challenges, and the role of youth in shaping Africa’s socio-political and economic future.

Obasanjo and Agwai both stressed the importance of proactive youth engagement, responsible leadership, and collective action in addressing both local and global challenges affecting Africa today.