- Obasanjo, who underscored the importance and enviable place of Gowon in Nigeria’s history, stated that few leaders receive recognition during their lifetime
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has extolled the exceptional leadership of Nigeria’s former head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
Speaking at the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) conference in Abuja on Monday, Obasanjo likened Gowon to the late British wartime leader and Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.
Obasanjo, who underscored the importance and enviable place of Gowon in Nigeria’s history, stated that few leaders receive recognition during their lifetime.
The conference, themed ‘Value-Based Leadership Model for Africa,’ gathered African and European leaders, alongside global Christian figures, to discuss solutions to the continent’s leadership challenges.
Obasanjo, lamenting the decline in global leadership standards, warned against state actors meddling in crucial matters without a deep understanding of their implications. He called for visionary and ethical leadership in Africa, stating:
“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.”
Drawing comparisons to Churchill, Obasanjo stated that: “Winston Churchill fought tirelessly for the British Empire, yet he was unappreciated, called a warmonger, and even voted out of Parliament. Still, before he died, he was named ‘Man of the Century.’”
Obasanjo further reflected on how many great leaders, including religious figures like Jesus Christ, were not celebrated during their lifetimes. “If a leader expects praise or admiration from people, he will be sorely disappointed. But God takes care of leaders,” he remarked.
He also touched on global conflicts, stating, “Experts say there are 58 wars in the world today, with 92 countries involved. Yet, they say there is no Third World War. So what do we do?”