Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed Nigeria’s ongoing socio-economic and political challenges to what he describes as “self-centered leadership.” Speaking at the Leadership Empowerment International Conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday, Obasanjo emphasized the need for leaders at all levels of governance to relinquish their hold on power for the country to overcome its current difficulties.
Addressing the gathering as the Special Guest of Honour, Obasanjo said, “There is no end to leadership and service to your community until you breathe your last. You can never be too old to lead and contribute to your community, state, country, continent, and the world.”
He identified poor leadership as the core issue plaguing Nigeria, stating, “If you ask me in one word, what is the bane of Nigeria today? I will say it is leadership. Leadership that is self-centered, deficient in knowledge and understanding, and does not prioritize service.”
Obasanjo praised the Leadership Empowerment International Conference (LEIC) for its efforts to promote good leadership and urged for its continued support in embedding effective leadership throughout all levels of Nigerian society.