Former Nigerian leader, Olusegun Obasanjo, has described leadership as both a heavy burden and a profound blessing, drawing the lessons from decades of his military command, imprisonment, and democratic governance.
Obasanjo who was speaking at an international colloquium entitled: “Burden and Blessing of Leadership: Reflections from Global Africa to the World” in Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria, reflected on pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of power, responsibility and service.
The colloquium was part of the activities lined up to celebrate Obasanjo’s 89th birthday on March 5th, 2026.
Recalling his role as the Commander of the Third Marine Commando Division during the Nigerian Civil War, Obasanjo said leadership often demands solitary decisions whose consequences affect millions. He noted that, in the final days of the war in 1970, he chose restraint in order to prevent further civilian casualties, a decision he said underscored the moral weight leaders must carry.
Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and later as civilian President from 1999 to 2007, said the public frequently underestimates the personal cost of leadership. He cited his imprisonment under former military ruler, Sani Abacha, as evidence of the price that can accompany principled positions.
The elder statesman described leadership as a rare privilege, the opportunity to serve at defining historical moments.
Obasanjo referenced Nigeria’s first peaceful transfer of power from military to civilian rule in 1979, when he handed over to President Shehu Shagari, as one of the most fulfilling decisions of his career.
On Africa’s development trajectory, the former president argued that the continent’s enduring challenges stem less from geography or history and more from governance failures. He observed that Africa remains richly endowed with natural and human resources but continues to suffer from weak institutions, corruption and self-serving leadership.
Obasanjo called for deeper investment in leadership formation, institutional strengthening and democratic accountability, stressing that sustainable progress depends on systems that outlast individuals.
He thereafter urged African governments to better engage the Africans in the diaspora, describing the move as an underutilised asset, capable of accelerating continental renewal.
Highlighting continental integration efforts, Obasanjo pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a transformative initiative that could expand markets, attract investment and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness, if fully implemented.
The former president concluded with a message of gratitude and faith, reaffirming his belief in Africa’s long-term promise and urging the next generation to embrace accountable, service-driven leadership.
“Africa is not a problem to be managed.
“Africa is a promise to be fulfilled and leadership is how that promise gets kept.”
Obasanjo, however dismissed recent false reports circulating about his death, describing them as malicious fabrications.