NewsBoko Haram Will Soon Recruit Out-of-school Children – Obasanjo Warns

Boko Haram Will Soon Recruit Out-of-school Children – Obasanjo Warns

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November 26, (THEWILL) – Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that Boko Haram might soon recruit out-of-school children if the government fails to return them to their classrooms.

Obasanjo spoke while addressing participants at the presidential youth mentorship retreat held at the Youth Development Centre, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He blamed security challenges in the country for the increasing rate of out-of-school children.

The former President lamented that about 14 million children who ought to be in school are on the streets; therefore, the situation can worsen the nation’s security situation.

“A situation today where we have 14 million children that should be in school that are not in school, does anybody need to be an oracle to say that 10 years or 15 years from now, those will be where you will recruit pure Boko Haram.

“Therefore, if you deal with Boko Haram by stick today, in a few years’ time, the situation will be worst because we are talking about security, it will be worst”, he said, adding that solutions to security and poverty, should begin with education.

He maintained that the unity of Nigeria is paramount, stressing that he would fight for it throughout his life.

Obasanjo also urged Nigeria to commit to producing electricity from renewable energy.

He said the time everyone has on earth is limited and stressed that clean carbon-free sources should be harnessed for a safer environment.

Speaking after the commissioning of a Presidential Library 2MW Solar Power Project in Abeokuta, the Owu-born statesman insisted solar investment is cost-effective, noting that funds spent on the project were less than two and half years supply of diesel for generators.

“In diesel terms, it pays for itself in less than three years. In effect, the electricity it produces after three years is almost at no cost,” he said.

“Because it is not emitting any greenhouses gases that diesel generators do, it has the potential to earn carbon credits which are currently priced at $40/ton.

“Based on estimated annual production of 2,307,000 KiloWatt hours per year, we can expect to earn nearly $39,589 in carbon credits per year.

“Our time on this beautiful earth is limited. In my life, I have sought to be a responsible steward for nature. This facility marks one of the enduring personal legacies I am proud to call my own”, he said.

He recalled that the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) was attended by over 1,000 universities from 68 countries and witnessed speeches and renewed commitments to reach zero emissions by 2050, in some cases 2060 and in Nigeria’s case 2070.

“This is the best time for all Nigerian universities to sign-up to the United Nations’ Race to Zero campaign, and commit to reducing their carbon emissions to zero by 2050 at the latest.

“We hope that by committing to consume renewable energy, we inspire others to follow and still inform others to do their bit for the environment”, Obasanjo added.

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