On Wednesday, there was an unexpected visit by Nigeria’s ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo, in Kenya as African leaders came together to endorse the Nairobi Declaration aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable growth, climate change mitigation, and adaptation strategies across the African continent. As Kenya’s President William Ruto was about to announce the summit’s declaration, the former Nigerian leader made a surprise appearance among the gathering of leaders.
According to PREMIUM TIMES NIGERIA, Mr. Obasanjo was observed engaging in friendly conversations with fellow leaders and delegates present at the summit, including billionaire Mo Ibrahim. He joined the group of leaders as they proceeded to the “Court hall” stage, an outdoor area at the Kenyatta International Convention Center, where Mr. Ruto delivered the concluding address of the summit.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo held the position of Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 1999 to 2007. During the event, Kenya’s President Ruto acknowledged the former president, along with other leaders, and referred to Mr. Obasanjo as the “Grandfather of Africa.” This recognition was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience. Speaking about Obasanjo’s presence, President Ruto said “He was right here to make sure that we never try to do the wrong thing.”
President Ruto added “I tried to persuade him not to bother himself and that we will complete the task, he said no, just in case you make the wrong step at the last minute.” PREMIUM TIMES NIGERIA reported that the Kenyan leader remarked that Mr. Obasanjo had overseen African leaders’ journey towards the successful conclusion of the summit, and the former Nigerian president was present to ensure that they did not make any missteps in the final moments.
Starting from Monday, 4th September, 2023, climate change specialists, various organizations, and more than 12 African Heads of State and Government have gathered in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, for the first-ever Africa Climate Summit (ACS) and Africa Climate Week (ACW). Their purpose is to push forward discussions and strategies addressing the destructive consequences of climate change in both Africa and the global context.
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