In a recent memorial lecture in honor of the late Akintola Williams, former President Olusegun Obasanjo addressed the state of leadership in Nigeria, attributing the nation’s struggles to a lack of quality leadership.
The event, themed “Leadership Dynamics: Current Realities and Way Forward,” was organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos.
Obasanjo acknowledged the complexities inherent in governing Nigeria but emphasized that the country is not inherently difficult to manage. According to him, effective leadership requires honesty and a commitment to serving the nation and its people.
“Nigeria is a complex country, but it is not a difficult country to manage,” Obasanjo stated. “To lead effectively, you must be honest with yourself, with Nigeria, and with your God.”
Reflecting on his tenure as president, Obasanjo expressed pride in his efforts to steer the country towards economic stability. He highlighted his administration’s success in securing debt relief and building up the nation’s financial reserves.
“When I assumed office, Nigeria had just N3.7 billion in reserves, and we were spending N3.5 billion to service debt,” he recalled. “I knew we needed debt relief, and we achieved it. By the time I left office, we had over N25 billion saved in what we called ‘excess crude,’ and our reserves had grown to over N45 billion.”
Obasanjo also paid tribute to the late Akintola Williams, describing him as a wise and dedicated public servant who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political, social, and economic spheres. Williams, a revered figure in the accounting profession, was praised for his lifelong commitment to excellence and integrity.
In his remarks, ICAN President Davidson Alaribe highlighted the importance of learning from Williams’ exemplary leadership. He encouraged attendees to honor Williams’ legacy not just through memorials, but by upholding the high standards he set in their own professional lives.
“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.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with leadership challenges, Obasanjo’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the critical role that honest and effective leadership plays in the nation’s progress.
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