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Why I May Not Prevent Having Youngsters: Olusegun Obasanjo’s Philosophy on Generational Continuity

Introduction

In a world increasingly focused on population control and demographic shifts, the perspective of a seasoned statesman on the continuity of life offers a refreshing philosophical outlook. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo recently made headlines with a statement that underscores the inevitability of generational succession. During a visit by the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) to his residence in Abeokuta, Obasanjo declared that he “cannot prevent having youngsters” in a metaphorical and biological sense.

While the former president is no longer fathering children himself, his remarks highlight a profound truth: the cycle of life is perpetual. This article explores the context of Obasanjo’s statement, his views on child welfare, the role of pediatric medicine, and the broader implications of viewing child protection as a lifetime responsibility.

Key Points

Generational Continuity: Obasanjo emphasizes that while he has stopped giving birth, his descendants continue the cycle of life.
Lifetime Responsibility: Child protection is not limited to active parenting years but is a collective, lifelong duty.
Role of Pediatrics: The former president praised pediatricians for their unique role in managing the health of non-verbal patients.
Child Advocacy: Obasanjo accepted a role as an advocate for child health, responding to escalating global challenges.
Future of Nations: He asserts that the survival and well-being of children are foundational to national security and civilization.

Background

The remarks were made on a Monday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), led by its President, Dr. Ekanem Ekure, visited the former head of state to solicit his support in addressing the rising health challenges facing children in Nigeria.

The Context of the Visit

Dr. Ekure and the PAN delegation sought Obasanjo’s endorsement to act as a global advocate for child health. This request comes at a critical time when Nigeria and other developing nations face significant hurdles in child survival rates, access to pediatric care, and health entrepreneurship. By inviting Obasanjo, PAN aimed to leverage his international stature to amplify their message.

Analysis: The Philosophy of “Never Stopping”

Obasanjo’s statement, “I’m not giving birth to youngsters, and my children are now adults. But my children are still having children,” serves as a metaphor for the unbroken chain of humanity. It shifts the focus from individual biological reproduction to collective generational responsibility.

Breaking Down the Metaphor

When Obasanjo says he cannot “prevent” having children, he is acknowledging that his lineage continues through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This perspective reframes the concept of legacy. It is not merely about what an individual achieves in a single lifetime, but about the stewardship of the future.

He stated, “Because when I stop, my children will not stop, and when my children stop, my grandchildren will not stop, and the cycle continues.” This cyclical view suggests that an elder’s duty does not end with retirement; rather, it evolves into a role of guardianship for future generations.

The Intersection of Demography and Development

By linking the continuity of children to the future of countries, Obasanjo touches on the demographic dividend. A nation’s security and well-being are intrinsically tied to how well its youngest citizens are protected today. If the “cycle continues” but the quality of life deteriorates, civilization is at risk. Therefore, his statement is a call to action for sustainable development that prioritizes child health.

Practical Advice: Lessons for Child Advocacy

Obasanjo’s interaction with the Paediatric Association offers several practical takeaways for parents, policymakers, and healthcare professionals.

1. Embrace Collective Responsibility

One of the core tenets of Obasanjo’s speech is that raising children is not solely the responsibility of biological parents. Elders and community leaders play a vital role. In practice, this means:

Community mentorship programs for young parents.
Intergenerational knowledge sharing regarding childcare and nutrition.
Policy support that views child welfare as a national security issue.

2. Understanding Pediatric Challenges

Obasanjo highlighted the difficulty of pediatric medicine: “The problem of dealing with children is that they are not like adults, so you have to be able to feel for them.” For healthcare providers, this underscores the importance of:

Non-Verbal Communication: Developing skills to interpret symptoms in infants who cannot speak.
Empathy in Medicine: Treating the child and the family unit, not just the disease.
Specialized Training: Recognizing pediatrics as a distinct and challenging specialty requiring specific expertise.

3. Advocacy in Action

Obasanjo accepted the role of advocate because his “voice is heard both locally and internationally.” Individuals can emulate this by:

Supporting organizations that focus on child survival and entrepreneurship.
Using social platforms to highlight pediatric health issues.
Engaging with local representatives to prioritize funding for child health initiatives.

FAQ

What did Olusegun Obasanjo mean by “I may not prevent having youngsters”?

Obasanjo used this phrase to describe the biological and philosophical inevitability of generational succession. Although he is no longer fathering children, his children and grandchildren continue to do so. Therefore, in the context of his family lineage and the human race, the arrival of “youngsters” does not stop.

Why did the Paediatric Association of Nigeria visit Obasanjo?

The PAN, led by Dr. Ekanem Ekure, visited Obasanjo to solicit his support as a global advocate for child health. They sought his endorsement to help address escalating child health challenges in Nigeria and to promote pediatric entrepreneurship.

What is Obasanjo’s view on child protection?

He views child protection as a “collective and lifetime responsibility.” He believes that the safety and well-being of children are foundational to the future of any nation and civilization as a whole.

How does Obasanjo view the role of pediatricians?

He holds pediatricians in high regard, describing their work as a “distinct and challenging clinical specialty.” He acknowledges the difficulty of treating children who cannot verbally articulate their symptoms, requiring doctors to have deep empathy and diagnostic skill.

Conclusion

Olusegun Obasanjo’s statement regarding “not preventing” the arrival of youngsters is more than a personal reflection on his family tree; it is a philosophical assertion about the enduring nature of humanity. By accepting the role of a child advocate, he bridges the gap between political leadership and public health, emphasizing that the protection of the young is the bedrock of civilization.

As the cycle of life continues through generations, the responsibility to ensure a safe, healthy, and prosperous future for children remains a universal mandate. Whether through policy, medicine, or community support, the work of safeguarding the next generation is a task that, as Obasanjo suggests, never truly ends.