Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed Nigeria’s current struggles to a lack of effective leadership, emphasizing that the country is not difficult to manage.
Speaking at the inaugural memorial lecture in honour of the late Akintola Williams, with the theme: ‘Leadership Dynamics: Current Realities And Way Forward,’ in Lagos, Obasanjo acknowledged the intricate nature of Nigeria but insisted that good governance could easily steer the country towards progress.
“I always say Nigeria is a complex country, but it is not a difficult country to manage. You must be honest with yourself, with Nigeria, and with your God,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his time as president, Obasanjo noted that he governed the country to the best of his ability, making the most of the resources available. He highlighted the significant economic strides Nigeria made during his tenure, particularly in debt management and foreign reserves.
“When I took office, Nigeria had only N3.7 billion in reserves and was spending N3.5 billion to service debts. I made debt relief a priority, despite Nigeria being the fifth-largest oil exporter at the time,” Obasanjo recounted. “We not only secured debt relief but also grew our reserves significantly. When I left office, we had over N25 billion in excess crude savings and more than N45 billion in reserves.”
Obasanjo also paid tribute to the late Akintola Williams, praising him for his contributions to Nigeria’s political, social, and economic landscape. He described Williams as a wise and dedicated leader who served humanity throughout his life.
“He deserves every honor we can bestow upon him posthumously, not only for his achievements in Nigeria but also for his impact on the world,” Obasanjo stated.
ICAN President Davidson Alaribe emphasized that the lecture aimed to draw inspiration from Akintola Williams’ exemplary leadership. He urged Nigerians to honor Williams’ legacy by striving for excellence in their daily 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 added.
