By Abiola Olawale
Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has emphasized the urgent need for a new generation of transformational leaders in the country with skills to lead the nation in the 21st century.
He asserted that these leaders are essential to steer the nation away from its current state of volatility, uncertainty, and complexity towards a trajectory of progress and stability.
During a speech delivered in Lagos at the Africa Methodist Council Heads of Conference Summit and Women’s Movement Leadership Summit, the former president expressed concern about Nigeria’s unaddressed issues, noting that they have escalated to a critical level.
He emphasized that the nation’s current state poses significant dangers, characterized by widespread suffering and hunger.
He added that a new generation of leaders has to wake up to its responsibilities in order to create a better world for all Nigerians.
He said: “I will give you two points. Wake up! We need a new generation of leaders; moral leaders, transformational leaders, and servant leaders.
“This new generation of leaders will lead by showing love and leading the re-evaluation and transformation.
“Nigeria as it is now is volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous and dangerous.
“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 are devoid of leadership, it won’t get us anywhere. That is why leadership in Africa is very important.
“We can’t create an Africa of hope, prosperity, devoid of oppression and one of security, peace and where leaders have vision, knowledge and understanding this way.”
He also noted that the late South African freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, and Preacher, Desmond Tutu, advised him to contest the presidency for the second time.
He continued: “When I came out of prison, and there was pressure mounting on me to take the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, the only place I went outside Nigeria was South Africa. I went to seek advice from Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
“Nelson said, ‘Olu, whatever your instinct tells you, do it.’ Tutu said, ‘If your people want you to serve, serve and stop making excuses’.
“I came back home and decided to make myself available and contest for the presidency of Nigeria.
“I found out that the years I spent in prison were advantageous to me in serving as president when I was elected.
“We can get good out of bad. That also happened to Nelson Mandela.
“When we get good leaders, let’s make maximum use of them because good leaders don’t flog. When you get one in a generation, make good use of them. Let’s learn the right lesson from them.
“We cannot make the world less volatile, simple or unambiguous unless we have the right type of leaders. We are talking about leaders who take examples of Jesus Christ and become like him.”
