Ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that he has no regrets over the decisions he took in joining the Nigerian Army and while serving as the country’s No. 1 citizen.
Obasanjo, who spoke at a leadership training workshop, organized for primary school head boys and head girls in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states by the Centre for Human Security (CHS) of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, challenged Nigerian youths to be courageous in decision-making.
While recalling his decision to join the Nigerian Army many years ago, urged the youths to “Be bold and courageous when taking decisions. I was bold about mine and I would say I have no regrets”.
The former president also charged the participants to embrace core values of life to help them move Nigeria towards sustainable development. He advocated adequate reward for teachers to enable them to effectively discharge their duties and impact positively on the young ones.
Prof. Akin Mabogunje and Ogun State commissioner for education, science and technology, Mr Segun Odubela, attended the workshop.
Obasanjo, who was the special guest of honour, expressed worry about the dearth of quality leadership in many African countries and stressed the need for the grooming of new leaders with deep sense of patriotism and exemplary leadership skills.
The former president highlighted what he described as “20 golden rules for young leaders” and asked them to stick to them.
Obasanjo advised youths, who aspire for leadership positions to learn to set good examples for others; always keep their promises; set realistic goals; be good team players and be courageous when making decisions.
His words: “These 20 golden rules are not by any means exhaustive. But if you imbibe and internalise them while you are young, they will stand you in good stead throughout your life. You cannot be a good leader if you don’t set good examples. Because as a leader your job is to lead and the art of leading is showing example. Be firm, kind, considerate and compassionate.”
-Leadership
OBASANJO, YOU ARE THE CAUSE OF NIGERIA’S PROBLEM FROM DEMOCRACY. AND RECENTLY, YOU HAVE MADE THE COUNTRY VERY VIOLENT AND CRIME PRONE AS A RESULT OF YOUR GREED. LEAVE GOODLUCK ALONE AND RETIRE. YOUR KNOWLEDGE IS NOT NEEDED AGAIN. STOP MAKING COMMENTS THAT DO NOT SHOW YOU HAVE BECOME A LEADER BEFORE
Pa Obasanjo’s leadership of Nigeria remains distinctive. Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom of/from times past, of the present and as much into the future as possible is an immeasurable benefit to generations to come. His work to uphold Nigeria transcends the common and is of immeasurable value.
If we remember the state of Nigeria before 1999, we will have reasons to appreciate God for Nigeria and Pa Obasanjo.