Obasanjo launched a military -style ‘movement’ to overcome the African leadership deficit

Former President of Nigeria, Head of Olusegun Obasanjo, on Tuesday launched the Olusegun Obasanjo (Ooli) leadership institution, a new initiative aimed at growing new generations of principles and visionary leaders throughout Africa.

Speaking through a statement by the assistant, especially in the media, Kaninde Akinyemi, former president described the institute as a long -awaited response to the challenges of the eternal leadership of Africa. The official launch was marked by the inauguration of the Institute Regulatory Council at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the state of Ogun.

“This is not just an institution; this is a movement,” Obasanjo said, reflecting the urgent need to overcome the “evaporating gap” in the African leadership landscape. He stressed that while Ooli would not be modeled as a military institution, it would utilize the power of military discipline and strict training framework from institutions such as the National Institute for Strategic Policy and Studies (NIPS), Kuru, Jos.

Former President, who also served as Chairman of the Institute Council, said the idea for Ooli developed more than seven decades observed and participated in the leadership process throughout the continent.

“For more than 70 years, I have been observing and involved with the rug complex of African development,” he said. “While our continent is rich in human and natural endowmen, we continue to fail to translate this potential into sustainable development, peace and prosperity, mostly because of deficits in leadership at various levels.”

Also read: Afenifere Assessment of Mid-Jangka Tinubu-Presidential Performance Fraud

Obasanjo described the Institute as a strategic platform to raise leaders who are not only competent for the current reality but are also ready to manage the complexity of governance, policies, and future development.

“Today, I am happy to officially announce that the Institute, who has received the blessing of the National University Commission as an affiliation from the Bells University of Technology, is now ready to take off fully from its programs,” he said.

According to him, the leadership institute will focus on the formation of people who are careful, ready, who focus on people who are guided by integrity, insight, and tireless commitments to the African continent.

In his accusation to the council that was just inaugurated, Obasanjo revealed the importance of the government’s government. “Africa’s biggest asset remains its people. We must invest in it, maintain their potential, and make sure they are ready to lead with goals and vision,” he said.

The former president also gave gratitude to fellow African leaders who had inspired transformational leadership throughout the continent. He specifically praised the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama; Former President Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim; Former South African President, Kgalema Motlanthe; and the former President of Senegal, Macky Sall, for their contribution to change the narrative of African leadership.