Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the country’s leadership for its self-centeredness and lack of relevant knowledge and understanding, attributing these as the primary reasons for Nigeria’s developmental stagnation.
Speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at the weekend during the Leadership Empowerment International Conference (LEIC), where he served as the Special Guest of Honour, Obasanjo emphasized that poor leadership is the root cause of many of Nigeria’s challenges.
Obasanjo highlighted the enduring nature of true leadership, stressing that it is a lifelong commitment.
“There is no end to leadership and service to your community until you take your last breath. You are never too old to be a leader and contribute to the development of your community, your state, your country, the continent, and the world,” he stated.
He further noted that Nigeria’s current predicament is largely due to a lack of effective leadership.
“If you ask me in one word what is the bane of Nigeria today, I will not hesitate. I will say it is leadership. Leadership that is self-centred, leadership that lacks knowledge and understanding, and leadership that does not view service as the core of what leadership is about,” Obasanjo said.
He argued that once the issue of poor leadership is resolved, other challenges facing the country would also be addressed.
The former president also underscored the importance of leadership in unlocking the continent’s potential, comparing Africa’s resource wealth with countries like Japan and Singapore, which have achieved significant development despite having minimal natural resources.
“We have resources in Africa; we have 70 per cent of the world’s copper. Japan has no mineral resources. Singapore is even worse—no resources! But, whatever resources we have, if we lack leadership, it won’t get us anywhere. That is why leadership in Africa is so crucial,” he explained.
Obasanjo called on African leaders to rise to their responsibilities to create a better world for all, emphasizing that without effective leadership, the continent cannot achieve its potential for hope, prosperity, and peace.
The event also featured the conferring of honorary doctorates in leadership upon 25 Nigerians by the South Africa-based Immanuel Theology Institute International, in affiliation with the Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative Inc.
Among those honored were three former Ogun State Commissioners: Anthony Ojeshina, Kehinde Sogunle, and Dele Obadina.