Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has highlighted a critical gap in leadership across Africa, specifically addressing the lack of visionary leaders as a fundamental issue impeding the continent’s progress. Speaking at a leadership summit organized by the Africa Methodist Council, Obasanjo pointed out that for Africa to garner respect internationally, it must foster a new cadre of leaders dedicated to the welfare of their people, especially during challenging times.
The summit, themed ‘Leadership in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous World,’ brought together heads of conferences and leaders of the Women’s Movement. During his keynote speech, Obasanjo emphasized the essential role of effective leadership in achieving an Africa characterized by hope, prosperity, and security, devoid of conflict and instability.
“Without visionary leadership, our abundant resources amount to nothing. It is leadership that transforms a society,” Obasanjo declared. He argued that the leadership deficit particularly affects Nigeria, where many politicians view public office as a means to personal survival rather than a platform for service and development.
Obasanjo critiqued the Nigerian political landscape, where a significant number of officeholders lack alternative livelihoods outside of politics, which compromises their integrity and effectiveness. “The most important thing for politicians in the Nigerian context is that they must have a second address,” he said, referring to the need for politicians to have sustainable personal or business ventures outside their political roles to ensure they do not succumb to corruption or inefficiency out of financial necessity.
The former president also touched on Nigeria’s economic policies, particularly criticizing the country’s historical over-reliance on oil revenue, which he described as a ‘misfortune.’ According to him, this dependency led to the neglect of agriculture, a sustainable and renewable sector. He passionately advocated for a return to agriculture to diversify and stabilize the economy.
In alignment with Obasanjo’s perspectives, Bishop Ivan Abrahams, General Secretary of the World Methodist Council and the event’s guest speaker, echoed the need for principled leadership in Africa. He highlighted that many African leaders fail due to their inability to manage power and wealth responsibly and creatively.
Abrahams pointed out that transformational leadership is crucial for Africa to navigate the complexities of the modern world effectively. “African leaders must be willing to listen, inspire, and engage with their constituents to foster an environment of trust and accountability,” he stated.
Adding to the discourse, Prelate Oliver Ali Aba of the Methodist Church Nigeria called for unity among African nations. He emphasized the importance of Africa speaking with one voice to address the myriad challenges it faces, from economic disparity to political instability.
The summit underscored a collective call for a renaissance in African leadership, urging current and future leaders to prioritize transparency, accountability, and genuine service to the populace. The speakers collectively highlighted the urgent need for a shift from self-serving governance to transformative leadership that genuinely seeks to improve the living standards of the people.
This gathering not only provided a platform for discussing the leadership vacuum in Africa but also reinforced the call for leaders to embody qualities that would propel the continent toward sustainable development and true independence in decision-making on the global stage.
Source: The Guardian
