The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI), in partnership with the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has concluded a four-day intensive leadership training programme for elected student union leaders, aimed at grooming a new generation of responsible, visionary, and values-driven leaders.
The training, themed “Leadership for the Future,” brought together student leaders for a series of high-level lectures, interactive workshops, and practical sessions designed to strengthen governance capacity, emotional intelligence, financial stewardship, and constitutional literacy.
Obasanjo Sets the Tone with Leadership Blueprint
The programme opened with a keynote address by Olusegun Obasanjo, founder of OOLI and former President of Nigeria. In a lecture that held participants spellbound, Obasanjo spoke extensively on the role, objectives, and enduring values of leadership.
He presented his widely referenced 55 Objectives of a True Leader, highlighting qualities such as achiever, actualizer, analyzer, arranger, communicator, decision-maker, encourager, enquirer, friend, and giver. He also outlined 15 Core Values of Good Leadership, including integrity, honesty, dependability, patriotism, orderliness, tolerance, trustworthiness, and peace.
According to participants, the session provided both philosophical depth and practical guidance on ethical and transformational leadership.
Experts Deliver Practical Leadership Insights
The training featured facilitators from academia, civil society, finance, law, mental health, and business leadership, who delivered sessions complementing the keynote address with practical tools for effective leadership.
Among them was Mrs. Yemi Adamolekun, who spoke on responsible leadership and activism, while Lady Anne Welsh, CEO of Painless Universal UK and a global wellness advocate, delivered an inspiring session on resilience in goal pursuit. Drawing from personal adversity, she emphasized determination, self-belief, and the transformative power of challenges.
Other facilitators included Prof. Adewale A. Olawoyin, SAN, who addressed new student constitutions and enabling laws; Mrs. Toki Mabogunje on leadership communication and team bonding; Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Yetunde Adekunle, FCA, on financial management and regulations; and Uche Aderibigbe, who led discussions on leadership and emotional intelligence.
Mr. Nnaemeka Praise Ifeakor facilitated sessions on financial literacy and spending management, while Prof. S. Adedeji Daramola and Dr. Deji Bolusemihi explored 21st-century transformational leadership approaches to global challenges. Mr. Abolade Adeniyi Akinwunmi, FNIM, FCAI, concluded with insights on professionalism and administrative leadership.
UNILAG Leadership Commends Initiative
Senior officials of the University of Lagos were in attendance, including the Vice Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola. In her closing remarks, she expressed profound appreciation to Obasanjo for what she described as his “legendary and monumental” contribution to leadership development.
She also acknowledged the OOLI Board of Directors for their role in delivering the programme, including General Martin Luther Agwai, CFR, Director/Chief Executive Officer; Professor Samuel Adedeji Daramola, Deputy Director/Deputy CEO; and Mrs. Oluwayemisi O. Gbadebo, Registrar.
Cultural Exposure and Experiential Learning
Beyond classroom sessions, participants visited the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, as well as cultural and historical landmarks including Olumo Rock. The excursions were designed to deepen their appreciation of Nigeria’s leadership history and heritage.
The four-day programme combined plenary lectures, interactive engagements, emotional intelligence labs, financial management workshops, and leadership reflection sessions, culminating in what organizers described as a transformative experience.
Building Africa’s Next Generation of Leaders
The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute is committed to nurturing leaders equipped with moral courage, strategic insight, and transformational capacity. Through training, research, and mentorship initiatives, the Institute continues to promote leadership excellence across Africa.
The report was signed by Prof. Elvis Otobo, Media Consultant to the Deputy Chief Executive, OOLI.
