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“Nigeria’s Challenges Stem from Poor Leadership, Not Complexity” – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that Nigeria is not inherently difficult to manage, attributing the country’s challenges to inadequate leadership rather than its complexity.
Speaking at the maiden memorial lecture in honour of the late Akintola Williams in Lagos, Obasanjo stressed that while Nigeria is a multifaceted nation, it requires understanding and competent management, which has often been lacking in its leadership.
The event, titled *“Leadership Dynamics: Current Realities and Way Forward,”* was organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos.
During his address, Obasanjo noted that managing Nigeria effectively demands a deep comprehension of its complexities but dismissed the notion that it is an impossible task.
He urged leaders to be honest with themselves, the nation, and their faith as they navigate the responsibilities of governance.
“Nigeria is indeed a complex country, and that is something we must acknowledge,” Obasanjo stated.
“But it is not a difficult country to manage. What we need is leadership that is transparent, committed, and genuinely invested in the well-being of the people.”
Reflecting on his time in office, Obasanjo recounted his efforts to stabilize and grow Nigeria’s economy.
He expressed pride in the initiatives undertaken during his presidency, especially in managing the country’s finances, and noted that Nigeria’s economic condition was relatively strong under his leadership.
“When I served as president, I did everything I could with the resources available to me,” Obasanjo said.
“I can confidently say I gave my best to move the country forward.
For example, when I assumed office, Nigeria had only N3.7 billion in reserves, while we were spending N3.5 billion on servicing debts.
Faced with this, I prioritized seeking debt relief for the country. Despite being one of the top five oil exporters globally at the time, we were burdened by an unsustainable debt load.”
Obasanjo went on to detail the efforts that led to Nigeria securing debt relief, a significant achievement during his tenure.
He explained that the country’s debt burden, initially at N3.36 billion, was substantially reduced, allowing for a period of fiscal stability.
He also highlighted that by the time he left office, the country’s reserves had grown significantly.
“We didn’t just secure debt relief; we turned the situation around. By the time I left office, Nigeria had over N25 billion in excess crude, which was money saved from the budget surplus.
Additionally, our foreign reserves exceeded N45 billion, which positioned us for future growth and economic security,” he added.
In his tribute to the late Akintola Williams, Obasanjo lauded the iconic chartered accountant for his numerous contributions to Nigeria.
Williams, who was regarded as a pioneer in the field of accounting in the country, was also recognized for his social, economic, and political impact.
“Akintola Williams was not just a professional; he was a sage whose influence extended beyond the financial sector.
His contributions to humanity, both in Nigeria and beyond, remain a lasting legacy.
He deserves all the honours we can bestow upon him, even posthumously, for the indelible marks he left in various spheres of life,” Obasanjo said.
The lecture provided an opportunity for the former president to reflect on the importance of effective leadership in shaping Nigeria’s future.
He reiterated that while challenges remain, with the right leadership, Nigeria has the potential to overcome its difficulties and thrive.
Obasanjo’s speech resonated with many attendees, especially given the current socio-political and economic climate of the nation.
His call for a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s complexities, coupled with his reflections on leadership, served as a reminder of the critical role governance plays in determining a nation’s trajectory.
It was reported that former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has allegedly purchased a presidential candidate form for the 2027 elections.
It can be noted that Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015.
This information was revealed by Sani Useni, a special assistant who made the claim. Many reacted to the news, with some expressing interest in seeing Jonathan return to power after staying relatively quiet politically since his administration ended.
However, Jonathan has not yet addressed the public or officially shared any presidential ambition.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.
It can be recalled that schools were attacked by armed men, with some teachers and students reportedly taken. Some people were also killed during the attack.
CAN cried out on behalf of the public, stating “It is intolerable, disgraceful and utterly unacceptable that Nigerian children can no longer sit safely in classrooms without the fear of being kidnapped by armed gangs.”
The organisation also stated that Nigerians are tired of constantly mourning and questioning when something will finally be done to stop the violence.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that seven teachers were abducted following a recent attack on a school in the state.
It was also shared that the number of students taken is still being investigated.
The governor further revealed that some people were killed during the attack and abduction.
He also added “With the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southward.”
“When you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise any terrorists fleeing the pressure points.”
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