Obasanjo Slams Nigerian Leaders For Prioritizing Self-Interest over National Progress

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has highlighted the persistent leadership crisis as the root of Nigeria’s ongoing challenges, including unemployment, insecurity, and economic instability. 

 

Speaking at the 2024 edition of the Leadership Empowerment International Conference on August 17, Obasanjo emphasized that self-centered and deceitful leadership continues to hinder the nation’s progress. 

 

However, he acknowledged that this lack of effective leadership, he argued, has kept the country in a state of stagnation.

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Obasanjo stressed that leadership goes beyond personal gain and requires a deep commitment to serving the community, the state, and the nation. 

 

He argued that the challenges Nigeria faces today, including unemployment, hunger, and widespread insecurity, stem from leadership that prioritizes personal interests over the well-being of the people.

 

“If we can get the leadership right, we will get all other things right,” Obasanjo asserted, highlighting the need for a leader who is knowledgeable and service-oriented.

 

In spite of these concerns, the former president expressed hope that Nigeria could overcome its challenges if the right leadership was in place. 

 

He pointed out that there are still leaders who understand the solutions needed to address the country’s issues but are hampered by a lack of influence. 

 

Obasanjo highlights the urgent need for leadership that prioritizes the needs of the people, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and genuine service to the nation.