Leadership Deficit, Major Global Problem – Obasanjo

Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasised the urgent need for value-based leadership to address the growing global leadership crisis, noting a significant shortage of effective leadership worldwide.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 11th African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) Conference, themed “Value-Based Leadership: Model for Africa,” held yesterday in Abuja, Obasanjo pointed out that Africa, particularly Nigeria, is severely impacted by this leadership deficit.

In his address, titled, “A Value-Based Leadership Model for Africa and the World,” Obasanjo argued that the values essential for effective leadership are readily available, particularly for Christians, through biblical teachings.

He questioned why society seeks external solutions when these leadership principles are “right in our pocket,” citing biblical examples of leadership.

The former president referenced his book “The Act of Leading: Conventional Wisdom from Biblical Leaders,” where he explores leadership lessons from scripture, beginning with God as the ultimate leader.

He also highlighted the leadership qualities of Jesus Christ, urging today’s leaders to adopt similar values and attributes in their governance.

Obasanjo commended Prof. Jerry Gana for his contributions during the conference, where Gana spoke on essential attributes of effective leadership. While praising Gana’s insights, Obasanjo remarked that the qualities of good leadership are vast and cannot be fully covered in one discussion.

He further called on leaders to adopt a value-based approach to governance, grounded in faith-based principles, to confront modern challenges.

Obasanjo emphasised that a return to fundamental values is crucial in resolving the leadership crisis affecting both Africa and the world.

In his remarks, the chairman of the central planning committee, Prof. Jerry Gana, welcomed both national and international delegates, expressing optimism about the valuable insights to be shared by the distinguished guest speakers.

“We are delighted to have you here, and we trust that this will be a conference filled with insights from our distinguished guest speakers, who will expound on the theme of the Value-Based Leadership Model for Africa,” he said.

The conference, which brings together delegates from various nations, focuses on the theme “Value-Based Leadership Model for Africa.”

He noted that the conference aims to cover key topics such as justice, integrity, social harmony, and wisdom, all of which are essential for redefining leadership and governance on the continent.

“These discussions are expected to pave a new path toward a brighter future and redefine leadership and governance across Africa,” he said.

Reflecting on the history of ABLI, Gana acknowledged the efforts of Bible Societies from various nations in continuing the work that began in 2010 during a special African Prayer Breakfast in Addis Ababa. Since then, he noted that the conference has travelled to several African countries, including Uganda, Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, Cameroon, Eswatini, and Rwanda.

Originally scheduled for 2020, the conference was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were originally set to host this conference in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed it until now. We thank God that we are finally gathered here today,” Gana stated.

He stressed that the conference’s goal is to inspire and cultivate a new generation of value-based leaders across Africa—leaders who are not only competent but also compassionate, principled, and committed to the well-being of their citizens.

“We seek leadership that is not only competent but also compassionate, principled, and committed to the well-being of all citizens,” he added.

The ABLI initiative places a strong emphasis on raising trustworthy, honorable leaders who can deliver tangible results.

Gana explained that value-based leadership promotes good governance, upholds the rule of law, insists on accountability, and combats corruption. It also enhances excellence in service, boosts productivity in national economies, and ensures sustainable development.

Gana underscored that the foundation of this leadership model is integrity, citing Philippians 4:8: “Leaders must be truthful, honest, just, and of good reputation. This is the leadership we seek to promote across Africa,” he concluded.

Additionally, the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Daniel Okoh, urged leaders across Africa to embrace value-based leadership inspired by biblical teachings.

He emphasised that leadership is not merely about holding positions of authority but is a calling to serve with integrity and purpose.

Okoh highlighted the numerous challenges facing Africa, including economic instability, insecurity, social injustices, and conflicts.

He affirmed that by embracing biblical values, leaders can confront these issues with courage and compassion. “The need for leaders who embody biblical values has never been more critical,” he noted.