Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has identified poor leadership as the core obstacle to Africa’s development, urging a new generation of leaders to embrace integrity, discipline, and vision.
Obasanjo made the remarks on Thursday, May 5, while addressing graduates of the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) during the convocation ceremony of the institute, which coincided with his 89th birthday lecture. The lecture, themed “The Global Africa Enlightenment: From Chains to Renaissance,” was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.
Highlighting the consequences of ineffective leadership, Obasanjo said nations with poorly formed leaders face fractured societies, misappropriated resources, widespread hunger, and a disillusioned youth forced to take “dangerous risks” in search of better opportunities.
“After five decades in public service, I’ve seen that Africa’s greatest deficit is not money, land, or intellect — it is leadership,” he said. “I’ve seen what one well-formed leader can do. One leader with vision, discipline, integrity, incorruptibility, and the courage to serve can transform a community, rescue an institution, and redirect a nation.”
The event attracted prominent figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and his predecessors, Senators Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel.
Obasanjo emphasized that institutions like OOLI are crucial for nurturing leaders capable of driving Africa toward a renaissance of progress and good governance.
