Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that he admires former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, for being one of the rare global leaders celebrated during their lifetime. Obasanjo made this known on Monday during the opening ceremony of the four-day International Conference of the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI), held in Abuja.
Themed “Value-Based Leadership Model for Africa,” the conference brought together African and European leaders as well as prominent Christian figures from around the world. In his address, Obasanjo expressed admiration for Gowon, comparing him to the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Obasanjo noted that Churchill, despite his patriotism and military achievements, was not fully recognized until later in life, when he was honored as “Man of the Century.”
Reflecting on leadership, Obasanjo said, “Only a few leaders are appreciated in their lifetime. General Gowon, I envy you because you are appreciated while still alive. That, too, is the grace of God in your life. You are like Winston Churchill. He fought in the night, on the sea, and for the British Empire, but was initially unrecognised, even called a warmonger.”
Obasanjo also pointed out that many notable figures, including Jesus Christ and His disciples, were not celebrated during their lives. He cautioned that leaders should not expect praise or admiration but trust in divine grace to guide their leadership.
Further, Obasanjo expressed concern about the decline in global leadership standards, criticizing many contemporary leaders for relying on intuition and lacking a deep understanding of critical issues. He highlighted the challenges of modern leadership and lamented the involvement of state actors in matters they often know little about.
Supporting Obasanjo’s perspective, former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, emphasized the urgent need for visionary and ethical leadership in Africa. Gana stressed, “The future of Africa depends on our ability to cultivate leaders who are not only competent but also compassionate and committed to the well-being of ordinary citizens.”
Both leaders underscored the importance of value-based leadership for Africa’s progress in a world marked by increasing complexity and unprecedented challenges.
