Abiodun lauds Obasanjo’s strides in good governance

Ex-President launches book on leadership

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a leading voice in the quest for political emancipation and good governance.

Abiodun stated this, yesterday, during a lecture to mark the 87th birthday of Obasanjo titled, “Quality Leadership and Inclusive Democracy as Catalysts for Development in a Strife-Ridden World,” held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

The governor, while acknowledging the former President for being deeply connected to his roots, also praised him for being a respected democratic leader globally. He, however, commended the former President for being far-sighted with a knack for nurturing leaders.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the lecture and former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, noted that access to justice, quality of elections and tribalism are some of the factors working against quality leadership in Africa.

Jonathan said that there was a need to look at the issues of winner-takes-it-all in politics, noting that when a president is elected, he isn’t just the president of his party alone, but a president of all. He added that whenever a serving president brings an opposition on board his team, it tends to bring quality and inclusiveness into governance

In his remarks, a former President of Slovenia and Chairman of Club De Madrid, Danilo Turk, said the club is currently involved in establishing a body that would look at fighting corruption around the world.

He said that the club would not get tired in its quest to ensure that democracy succeeds globally, adding that it is important that the people are given a choice as democracy should be beyond the elite in any country.

MEANWHILE, Obasanjo has made a public presentation of his new book, titled: “The Art of Leading: Unconventional Wisdom from Biblical” in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

In his remarks at the launching and dinner events held at the OOPL as part of his 87th birthday anniversary, Obasanjo noted that leadership was so important, stressing that without it, Africa can’t go fast and move far together.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President stated that leaders have to be obedient as well as instill values in the discharge of their duties.

Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Hassan Kukah, in his review of the 13-chapter book, said the book spoke on how Christians could make an impact in politics.

He said that for Christians in politics, they must infuse values into politics which must be evident for all to see. Also, the Special Guest of Honour and former President of Ghana, John Mahama, in his remarks, said leaders should lead with wisdom, seek divine guidance and embrace values that are worthy of emulation.