Nigerians of my era made right choices of leaders — Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has compared the post-independence performance of Nigerian leaders to what is available today and concluded that the pre-independence Nigerians were superior.
Obasanjo stated, during his speech at the National Daily Awards in Lagos, that despite the country’s fluctuating political climate, they were determined to select the right leaders who would make the best decisions for the country.
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“In actuality, I would say that post-independence Nigerians make the correct selections of leaders. Everyone knows that if you make the right decision, your performance and consequences will be correct.
Obasanjo, who was the keynote speaker at the event, recalled the opinion of world leaders immediately following Nigeria’s independence, but lamented that the country has not lived up to those expectations. “When the then-Prime Minister went to the United Nations following Nigeria’s independence, the world referred to Nigeria as a giant in the sun, but not as an African giant.
Nigerians of my era made right choices of leaders — Obasanjo
“However, the question is whether or not we have lived up to that.” If not, the question is why not? Exist leadership qualities that were prevalent in the post-independence era that no longer exist? We discuss values; have our values evolved? What is Nigeria now, and what do we want Nigeria to be? How do we get the Nigeria we want?”
“Over the course of a lengthy career in peacemaking and mediation, I’ve realized that peace, security, and stability are indispensable to the development and growth of any nation. Without justice, fairness, and equity, no nation can achieve greatness.
“When viewed individually, Nigerians possess a distinctive quality. Wherever they go, they achieve individual success. Individually, Nigerians are achieving great things in the world today. It is time for us to unite and return the nation to its rightful place.
“If we fail to do so, our existence will be meaningless. We must make a difference in order to leave a better society behind.”
Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Chairman of the Occasion and Former Minister of Health and Social Services, concurred with him, stating that people generally look up to leaders, so it is essential for them to demonstrate their ability, character, and ability to lead by example.
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“As a nation, we require the immediate rebirth of a national ethos. What kind of Nigeria do we want? How should everyone contribute to the formation of such a Nigeria? And how can we own and drive this consciousness regardless of our current circumstances, whether we are wealthy or poor, high or low?”
Sylvester Ebhodaghe, editor-in-chief of the National Daily Newspaper, stated that despite the challenges and unrest in the country, it is not inappropriate to recognise patriotic Nigerians who are making a difference.
“We believe it is essential to applaud the few Nigerians who, despite the difficulties, make sacrifices to do their best. Not because they wish to be acknowledged, but because they believe that the creation of a just, socially cohesive, equitable, and economically stable society depends on each of us doing our part.
“We believe that the best way to encourage people who still believe in this great country and are willing to give everything to make it work is to recognise and encourage them to continue doing the good things they are doing.”
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babjide Sanwo-Olu, and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, were among the illustrious Nigerians who received awards for their outstanding accomplishments.
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