On Saturday, Obasanjo spoke as the special guest of honour at the leadership empowerment international conference (LEIC) in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun.
The former president claimed that the country is currently afflicted at all levels by a band of “self-centred leaders” who have no understanding what a true leadership style comprises.
Obasanjo stated that these types of leaders must relinquish power in order for Nigeria to progress.
“Leadership and community service do not end until you breathe your last. And you can never be too old to be a leader and to provide something to the community in which you lead, to serve your state, your country, the continent, and the world,” he remarked.
“And, in one word, what is the bane of Nigeria today? I won’t think about it twice. I’ll say it’s leadership. Leadership that is self-centred, lacking in knowledge and insight, and failing to perceive service as the focal point of what leadership is all about.
“If we can get the leadership right, we’ll get everything else right. This is what LEIC is doing, which is laudable and excellent. We must develop and instill strong leadership at all levels of our national life.
Obasanjo asked Nigerians to put an end to the tradition of enthroning transactional leaders over transformational leaders who will provide excellent government.