…Africa’s biggest challenge is leadership — ex-president
By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday described his 89th birthday as a moment of gratitude to God, saying the celebration was more about appreciating divine grace than marking age.
Obasanjo said longevity should be viewed as a blessing and an opportunity to remain useful to humanity and the nation, stressing that age alone should not define a person’s relevance or capacity to contribute to society.
The former president spoke during his 89th birthday celebration and the maiden Founder’s Day of the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI), held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.
“Age is just a number. What we are celebrating today is the grace of God,” Obasanjo said.
The event also featured the graduation of 10 principals and vice-principals from Ogun State and Oyo State who completed a three-month training programme in School Leadership and Management at the institute.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included Dapo Abiodun, his deputy Noimot Salako‑Oyedele, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun and Pat Utomi, among others.
Speaking on Africa’s development challenges, Obasanjo said the continent’s biggest problem was not a lack of resources but a shortage of visionary leadership.
According to him, Africa is richly blessed with human and natural resources but often suffers from a deficit of principled leaders capable of transforming societies.
“The greatest challenge facing our nations is not a shortage of money, land or intellect. Africa is richly blessed with all three. What we often lack is leadership,” he said.
He noted that poor leadership weakens institutions, fuels corruption and limits opportunities for young people, forcing many to seek better prospects abroad.
Addressing the graduating participants, Obasanjo said the leadership institute was established to nurture a new generation of leaders equipped with vision, discipline, integrity and courage.
“If there is one lesson I have learned, it is this: a single well-formed leader can change the course of history. One leader with vision, discipline and integrity can transform a community, rescue an institution and redirect a nation,” he said.
He described the graduates as ambassadors of leadership tasked with strengthening institutions and promoting integrity in public life.
“Your certificate is not merely a document. It is a mandate — a reminder of the responsibility you carry to serve, to lead with integrity and to help build stronger institutions for our societies,” he added.
Obasanjo also appreciated the institute’s partners, staff and governing board for supporting its vision, noting that the institution would continue expanding its leadership development programmes across Africa.
“Africa’s best days are not behind us. They lie ahead — and they will be built by leaders like you,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun described Obasanjo as a living example of leadership, public service and national responsibility.
Abiodun said the former president’s life demonstrates that national development depends on strong institutions and leaders willing to act beyond personal interests.
He recalled that several reforms introduced during Obasanjo’s presidency between 1999 and 2007 helped reposition Nigeria’s economy and strengthen public institutions.
According to him, the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, banking sector reforms and major transformations in the telecommunications industry were among initiatives that laid the groundwork for a more structured economy.
He added that the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy also contributed to fiscal discipline and public sector reforms during that period.
Abiodun further noted that Obasanjo’s influence extends beyond Nigeria through his role in international diplomacy and conflict mediation across Africa.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Global Africa Enlightenment: From Chains to Renaissance,” the Haitian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to South Africa, Jean Robert Pillard, said history binds people together while culture reminds humanity of its shared identity.
He described the concept of Global Africa Enlightenment as a call for the renewal of African civilisation through shared heritage and collective action.
Also speaking, the Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, described Obasanjo as a role model for many Nigerians and Africans.
He added that generations yet unborn would continue to benefit from the former president’s contributions to the development of Nigeria and the African continent.
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