The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) has marked its maiden Founder’s Day in honour of its founder, Olusegun Obasanjo, as the former Nigerian leader celebrated his 89th birthday in Abeokuta.
The celebration, held on 5 March 2026 at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, brought together dignitaries, alumni, and leadership scholars to reflect on the statesman’s legacy of service, institution-building, and commitment to leadership development across Africa.
Born on 5 March 1937, Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s Military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and later as a democratically elected President from 1999 to 2007. During his military administration, he oversaw Nigeria’s historic transition to civilian rule in 1979, while his presidency helped consolidate democratic governance at the turn of the millennium.
Obasanjo Reflects on Service and Longevity
Speaking during the celebration, Obasanjo described the occasion as more about divine grace than personal achievement.
According to him, reaching the age of 89 is a reminder that longevity comes with a responsibility to continue serving humanity. He emphasised that leadership must remain rooted in integrity, discipline, and commitment to the public good.
Reflecting on his decades in public service—from his command role during the Nigerian Civil War to his years in democratic leadership—Obasanjo reiterated that Africa’s greatest challenge is not a lack of resources but a shortage of visionary and principled leadership supported by strong institutions.
OOLI’s Vision for Leadership Development
The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute was established to help address this leadership gap by nurturing a new generation of ethical and competent leaders across sectors.
Through executive programmes, training, and research initiatives, the institute promotes values such as integrity, discipline, service, and institutional strengthening as foundations for sustainable development.
Obasanjo has also shared his “55+20 Leadership Framework” with programme participants—a set of 55 leadership attributes and 20 core values, including listening, enquiry, transformation, and visionary thinking, anchored in dependability, gratitude, and self-discipline.
Tributes to a Statesman
Director of the institute, Martin Luther Agwai, described the founder as one of the most influential leaders of his generation.
According to Agwai, Obasanjo’s leadership demonstrates a rare combination of vision, courage, discipline, empathy, and strategic intelligence, qualities he said define transformational leadership.
Leadership scholar Daramola also praised Obasanjo’s ability to unite diverse communities and navigate complex national and global challenges, noting that the institute itself stands as a living testament to his values of integrity, resilience, and service to humanity.
Members of the OOLI Alumni Association equally celebrated the former president’s contributions to democratic governance, peace mediation, and continental advocacy, describing him as a visionary whose influence continues to shape leadership development across Africa and beyond.
International Recognition
Speaking at the event, Jean Robert Pillard, Haiti’s ambassador to South Africa, highlighted Obasanjo’s long-standing commitment to African unity and regional cooperation.
He noted that the former president has consistently championed stronger continental institutions and initiatives aimed at advancing Africa’s collective development.
Milestones in Leadership
The celebration also highlighted key milestones in Obasanjo’s leadership journey, including:
47 years since his historic handover of power to a civilian administration in 1979.
27 years since his election as Nigeria’s president in 1999.
His continued involvement in international diplomacy, mediation, and development dialogue.
The growth of the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute as a legacy institution dedicated to leadership excellence.
Inspiring a New Generation
Addressing participants in recent OOLI programmes, Obasanjo urged emerging leaders to see their training not merely as academic credentials but as a mandate for service.
He emphasised that a single well-prepared leader can influence the course of history and that Africa’s future depends on leaders willing to strengthen institutions, make difficult decisions, and prioritise the common good.
Obasanjo is scheduled to address a new cohort of participants in the institute’s Executive Programme on 28 March 2026.
About OOLI
The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute is a leadership development and research institution based in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Inspired by the life and leadership values of Olusegun Obasanjo, the institute designs programmes that cultivate ethical, visionary, and competent leaders for Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.
Its work spans leadership education, governance, youth development, and institutional strengthening.
Signed:
Prof. Elvis Otobo
Media Consultant to the Deputy Chief Executive, OOLI
