Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed concern over the stagnant state of the nation’s socioeconomic and political landscape, attributing it to a leadership deficit.
He emphasized that the only path to progress in Nigeria lies in replacing “self-centered” leaders with those who prioritize the nation’s interests.
Obasanjo made these remarks on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he was the Special Guest of Honour at the Leadership Empowerment International Conference.
The event, organized by the South Africa-based Immanuel Theology Institute International in collaboration with Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative Inc., saw 25 prominent Nigerians receiving honorary Doctorates in leadership.
He argued that for Nigeria to overcome its current challenges, the country must move away from the control of those he described as “self-centered leaders” who currently dominate governance at all levels.
Obasanjo criticized the current leadership, accusing them of lacking the necessary knowledge and understanding, and of failing to embrace a service-oriented approach to governance, which he sees as crucial for development.
He called on Nigerians to strive to end the practice of electing leaders based on transactions rather than transformational qualities that ensure good governance.
“There is no end to leadership and service to your community until your last breath. Leadership is a lifelong commitment, whether at the community, state, national, or global level,” Obasanjo said.
He continued, “If asked to identify the root cause of Nigeria’s challenges in a single word, I would unhesitatingly say ‘leadership.’ It is leadership that is self-serving, lacks knowledge and understanding, and does not prioritize service as the core of what leadership should be. Getting leadership right is the key to resolving all other issues in the country.”
Obasanjo also praised the efforts of Prof. Olusesi Obateye, International Coordinator of Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative Inc., and Prof. Van Den Berg Edward Alfred, President of the South Africa-based institute, for recognizing and promoting leadership excellence among Nigerians.
Earlier in the event, Prof. Obateye, who spoke on the theme “Responsible and Responsive Leadership,” lamented the scarcity of effective leaders in Nigeria, highlighting it as the main reason for the country’s underdevelopment since gaining independence nearly 64 years ago.
Among the honorees were three former Ogun State Commissioners: Engr. Anthony Ojeshina, Hon. Kehinde Sogunle, and Hon. Dele Obadina, as well as former Ogun State PDP Chairman Chief Joju Fadairo, and former Central Bank of Nigeria Director Engr. Oluwatoyin Jokosenumi
