Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has once again voiced his concerns about the state of leadership in Nigeria, emphasizing that the country’s challenges are largely due to self-centred leadership and a lack of knowledge among its leaders. Speaking at the 2024 Leadership Empowerment International Conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo expressed his belief that Nigeria could have achieved much more on the global stage if not for these leadership deficiencies.
During the event, which also saw the conferment of Doctor of Leadership and Theology awards on distinguished Nigerians, Obasanjo did not mince words in addressing what he sees as the core issue holding the country back. “If you asked me in one word, what is the bane of Nigeria today? I will not think about it twice. I will say it is leadership. Leadership that is self-centred, leadership that is a deficit in knowledge and understanding, and leadership that does not see service as the centrepiece of what leadership is all about,” Obasanjo stated.
He stressed that getting leadership right is crucial to resolving the myriad issues facing Nigeria. “If we can get the leadership right, we will get all other things right,” he added, urging for the inculcation of good leadership values at all levels of national life.
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Obasanjo also commended the efforts of Prof. Olusesi Obateye, International Coordinator of Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative, and Prof. Van Den Berg Edward Alfred, President of the South Africa-based Immanuel Theology Institute International, for their work in recognizing and encouraging leadership capacities in Nigerians.
Nigeria’s Agricultural Challenge
In a related discussion, Obasanjo addressed another critical issue: Nigeria’s inability to achieve agricultural self-sufficiency. He warned that the country’s problems would continue unless it can feed itself, describing the situation as a “time bomb.”
This was during a visit by a delegation from Niger State, including commissioners and special advisers to Governor Mohammed Bago. Obasanjo praised Bago’s agricultural initiatives, comparing them to his own “Operation Feed the Nation” policy from 1976, and emphasized the potential for even greater impact with modern technology.
“Until Nigeria begins to feed itself, the challenges facing the country will persist. A nation that cannot feed itself is sitting on a time bomb,” Obasanjo said. He encouraged other state governors to follow Niger State’s example in agricultural development, emphasizing that producing the majority of the country’s food is essential for stability and growth.
Obasanjo also advised Nigerians to explore innovative farming techniques such as soilless farming, warning that the country could soon face a shortage of arable land if current practices continue. He emphasized that adopting modern agricultural methods is critical for sustaining Nigeria’s food security.
Conclusion
Obasanjo’s statements serve as a clarion call for Nigerian leaders to reevaluate their approach to governance and to prioritize the well-being of the nation over personal interests. His emphasis on agricultural self-sufficiency further highlights the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt modern and sustainable farming practices to secure its future.
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