Obasanjo releases new book, says Africa can’t go far without good leadership

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says Africa needs good leadership to go far.

The former president spoke on Monday in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, during the public presentation of his new book.

The book “The Art of Leading: Unconventional Wisdom from Biblical”, was launched at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta as part of the activities marking his 87th birthday.

In a statement on Tuesday by Kehinde Akinyemi, his special assistant on media, Obasanjo stressed the importance of good leadership, noting that without it, “Africa can’t go fast and move far together”.

John Mahama, former president of Ghana, and special guest of honour at the event, said African leaders should lead with wisdom.

Mahama added that they must seek divine guidance and inculcate values that are worthy of emulation.

Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto diocese, who reviewed the 13-chapter book, said leaders have to be obedient as well as instil values in the discharge of their duties.

Kukah said the publication spoke on how Christians can make an impact in politics, adding that leadership as described in the book is for service.

He said Nigerian leaders must cooperate with the grace of God, noting that Christians who are in politics must infuse values that would be evident for all to see.

He said the social conditions of Nigeria have continued to slow down the pace of the country.

Okey Emuchay, the secretary general of the Ohanaeze Eze Ndigbo, said the former president has continued to be a worthy role model to the Ibo race.

The event was also attended by traditional rulers, captains of industry, diplomatic corps members, academia from tertiary institutions and close associates of the former president.

Obasanjo also organised a youth leadership symposium Monday as part of activities to mark his birthday.

The symposium was titled “Opportunities for peace: Roles of the youths in conflict prevention in Africa”.