Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has highlighted the crucial role of leadership in driving national development, attributing Nigeria’s current challenges to a lack of effective leadership. Speaking at the inaugural memorial lecture in honor of the late Akintola Williams, Obasanjo addressed the theme “Leadership Dynamics: Current Realities and Way Forward,” organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos.
Leadership and National Management:
Obasanjo described Nigeria as a complex but manageable country, stressing that effective management requires honesty and integrity. He reflected on his presidency, asserting that he made significant contributions to the nation’s economy, including negotiating debt relief and managing the country’s reserves effectively.
“I always say Nigeria is a complex country, but it is not a difficult country to manage. You must be honest with yourself, Nigeria, and your God,” Obasanjo said. He recounted his tenure, noting that he inherited N3.7 billion in reserves while facing substantial debt servicing costs. Through debt relief initiatives, he improved the financial situation, leaving office with over N25 billion in excess crude reserves and more than N45 billion in total reserves.
Honoring Akintola Williams:
Obasanjo also praised the late Akintola Williams, calling him a sage who made significant contributions politically, socially, and economically. He emphasized that Williams’ legacy should be honored not only through tributes but by embodying the standards he set.
ICAN President Davidson Alaribe echoed this sentiment, stating that the lecture aimed to draw lessons from Williams’ leadership qualities. “Let us honor him not just with plaques and statues, but through our daily commitment to uphold the standards he set, transforming every challenge into a stepping stone towards excellence,” Alaribe said.
The event served as both a tribute to Williams’ enduring impact and a call to action for current and future leaders to rise to the challenges of effective governance and national development.
