Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that Nigeria’s difficulties are not rooted in the country’s complexity but rather in the absence of effective leadership.
Speaking at the inaugural memorial lecture dedicated to the late Akintola Williams, Obasanjo underscored that while Nigeria is a multifaceted nation, it is not inherently difficult to govern if approached with the right leadership qualities.
The lecture, titled “Leadership Dynamics: Current Realities and Way Forward,” was hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.
In his address, Obasanjo emphasised that a deep understanding of Nigeria’s intricacies is crucial for effective management, but he stressed that with the right leadership, the nation’s issues can be addressed successfully.
“I have always maintained that Nigeria is a complex country, but it is not a difficult one to manage,” Obasanjo declared. “What is required is honesty with oneself, with Nigeria, and with one’s God.”
Reflecting on his presidency, Obasanjo recounted his efforts to advance Nigeria’s progress during his tenure. He highlighted the challenges he faced and the strategies he employed to navigate them.
According to Obasanjo, his administration made significant strides in improving the country’s economic standing.
“When I assumed office, Nigeria had only N3.7 billion in reserves, and we were spending N3.5 billion just to service debt,” Obasanjo explained.
“Recognising the unsustainable nature of this situation, I pursued debt relief aggressively. Despite being the fifth largest exporter in the world, we successfully negotiated for debt relief.”
Obasanjo noted that this relief was not just a reduction but a substantial shift in Nigeria’s debt landscape.
He highlighted that his administration managed to reduce the country’s debt from a quantum debt of N3.36 billion to N3.6 billion, while also amassing over N25 billion in excess crude savings—funds saved beyond the budgetary requirements.
Additionally, Nigeria’s reserves grew to over N45 billion during his presidency.
In his tribute to the late Akintola Williams, Obasanjo described Williams as a visionary who significantly contributed to Nigeria’s development across various domains—political, social, and economic.
He lauded Williams for his lifelong service and the profound impact he made.
“Akintola Williams was a sage who dedicated his life to serving humanity,” Obasanjo said.
“He deserves all the honours we can bestow upon him, not only for his contributions to this country but for his broader impact on our political, social, and economic landscape.”
Obasanjo’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria faces significant challenges, including economic hardship and political instability.
His speech at the memorial lecture served as both a reflection on past achievements and a critique of current leadership.
By drawing attention to the need for integrity and effective management, Obasanjo called for a renewed focus on leadership quality as a means of addressing the nation’s ongoing issues.
The memorial lecture, celebrating Williams’ legacy, provided a platform for discussing the broader theme of leadership and its role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Obasanjo’s reflections underscored the importance of competent leadership in navigating the complexities of governing a nation as diverse and dynamic as Nigeria.
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