St John’s College in Houghton was treated to a special visit by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo for the launch of his new book Making Africa Work: A Handbook for Economic Success on 18 May.
Obasanjo was joined by co-authors Dr Greg Mills and Major General Dickie Davis who assisted in the presentation which focused on the biggest socioeconomic challenges faced by Sub-Saharan Africa in the next generation. Obasanjo said the population will double by 2045, with half of that population moving to metropolitan areas. He said many in this group will be young people connected through newer technologies which will have a major effect on various social structures.
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Spokesperson for the school, Jacqui Deeks said, “The authors spoke to the young men about the challenges Africa faces as a continent, the opportunities available and the importance of dynamic leadership and making the correct choices.”
A line in the book says, ‘Properly harnessed, these are positive forces for change. Without economic growth and jobs, they could prove a political and social catastrophe. The old systems of muddling through will no longer work’.
Dr Mills and well-known South African singer and songwriter Robyn Auld ended the session with a song they wrote for the book, Make Africa Work before Obasanjo and the authors signed copies of the book for the boys and parents.
Obasanjo said, “It is your responsibility as a South African, it is your responsibility as a Nigerian, it is your responsibility as an African … it is our responsibility as Africans to make Africa work.”
Details:www.stjohnscollege.co.za
