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Obasanjo to Gowon: ‘I Envy You for Being Appreciated While Alive’

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, speaking at the opening ceremony of the four-day International Conference of the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) in Abuja, expressed his admiration for former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, highlighting him as one of the few global leaders to be celebrated during their lifetime.

Obasanjo made the remarks while discussing the theme, “Value-Based Leadership Model for Africa,” which attracted leaders from across Africa and Europe, as well as global Christian figures.

In his speech, Obasanjo compared Gowon to the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, whom he described as a leader who was initially overlooked but eventually recognized with the “Man of the Century” award towards the end of his life.

“Only a few leaders are appreciated in their lifetime,” Obasanjo remarked. “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. In the end, he was unrecognised, called a warmonger, and even voted out of Parliament. Yet, before he died, he was named ‘Man of the Century’ and appreciated.”

Obasanjo continued, expressing that many leaders, including Jesus Christ and his disciples, had not received the recognition they deserved during their lives. He warned that leaders who expect praise and admiration from the public will be disappointed.

“Many leaders may not be appreciated, including our Lord Jesus Christ and almost all his disciples. Many of them died in ways unbefitting of a leader. So, if a leader expects praise, adoration, or admiration from people, he will be sorely disappointed,” Obasanjo said.

He also raised concerns over the decline in global leadership standards, lamenting that many current leaders often rely solely on intuition rather than expertise. He criticized state actors for delving into leadership matters where they have little understanding.

Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, echoed Obasanjo’s concerns, calling for effective leadership in Africa.

Gana said, “In a world characterised by unprecedented challenges and complexities, Africa stands at a critical juncture. The need for visionary, ethical, and value-based leadership has never been more urgent. The future of Africa hinges on our ability to cultivate leaders who are not only competent but also compassionate and committed to the well-being of ordinary citizens across our countries.”

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