Obasanjo unveils book on leadership at 87th birthday

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has unveiled a new book, titled: “The Art of Leading: Unconventional Wisdom from the Bible.”

A statement on Tuesday by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, said the ex-President unveiled his new book on Monday, in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

Speaking during the launch of the book and dinner held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library as part of his 87th birthday anniversary, Obasanjo said without quality leadership Africa would not progress much.

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Hassan Kukah, while reviewing the book, said “the 13-chapter book spoke on how Christians can make an impact in politics, stressing that Nigerian leaders must cooperate with the grace of God.”

According to the statement, Kukah said Christians in politics must infuse values into politics which must be evident for all to see.

The special guest of honour and former president of Ghana, John Mahama, in his remarks, said leaders should lead with wisdom.

The event was said to have been attended by traditional rulers, captains of industry, diplomatic corps members, academics from tertiary institutions, and close associates of the former President.

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

Abiodun stated this on Tuesday at a lecture to mark Obasanjo’s 87th birthday of Chief Obasanjo at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

The lecture was tagged: “Quality Leadership and Inclusive Democracy as Catalysts for Development in a Strife-Ridden World.”

Abiodun said Obasanjo was a global leader despite being deeply connected with his roots.

“Baba has become a world-respected democratic leader, a detribalised Nigerian, and a pan-African whose passion and vision is for Africa that is being led by quality leadership for the desired economic development.

“Baba is deeply connected to his roots. Baba’s passion for his culture and tradition is unparalleled.

“Baba remains the leading voice in his quest for political emancipation, good governance, anti-corruption, and social justice,” Abiodun said.

The governor commended the former President for being far-sighted with a knack for nurturing leaders.

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

Jonathan said there was a need to look at the issues of winner-takes-it-all in politics, noting that an elected President does not belong to his political party alone.

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