Ex-President Unveils Initiative to Foster Leadership Excellence in Africa
In a bid to bridge the leadership gap in Africa, former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo has launched a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing a new crop of visionary leaders.
The ex-president’s brainchild, a leadership institute bearing his name, seeks to equip future leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive transformative change on the continent.
According to Obasanjo, the institute’s creation is a culmination of his extensive experience and observation of Africa’s development trajectory over the past seven decades. He noted that despite the continent’s vast human and natural resources, it has consistently struggled to achieve sustainable development and peace due to leadership deficiencies.
To address this challenge, the institute will draw inspiration from the military’s leadership training models, as well as the expertise of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.
Obasanjo emphasized that the institute’s primary objective is to cultivate leaders who are not only adept at tackling current challenges but also prepared to navigate the complexities of the future.
The former president, who chairs the institute’s governing board, urged its members to prioritize the well-being and empowerment of Africa’s people, recognizing them as the continent’s most valuable asset.
The institute has received accreditation from the National Universities Commission and is affiliated with the Bells University of Technology, paving the way for the launch of its programs.
Obasanjo also acknowledged the contributions of several African leaders, including the presidents of Ghana, Mauritius, and former heads of state from South Africa and Senegal, who have played a role in shaping the continent’s leadership landscape.
With the institute’s establishment, Obasanjo hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders who will drive Africa’s growth and prosperity.