Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute to commence academic operations

The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) is now set to commence academic programmes to raise and strengthen leaders who are not only equipped for today’s realities but also prepared to navigate the complexities of tomorrow.

Penpushing reports that as part of the institute which has received the blessing of the National Universities Commission as an affiliate of Bells University of Technology, on Tuesday inaugurated its Governing Board.

The Chairman, Governing Board, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in his speech said the formal launch of the operational phase of a vision—a vision that has been shaped by his experiences and convictions spanning over seven decades has come to reality

‘I have observed and engaged with the complex tapestry of Africa’s developmental journey. While our continent is rich in human and natural endowments, we have persistently fallen short in translating this potential into sustainable development, peace, and prosperity—largely because of deficits in leadership at various levels’, he stated.

Penpushing further reports that Obasanjo disclosed that the establishment of the Institute (OOLI) is one of his earnest responses to this challenge, explaining that he conceived the idea as a platform to raise and strengthen leaders.

‘Through the triumphs and the trials, one fault line has remained stubbornly persistent: the deficit in effective, ethical, transformational, inspirational and visionary leadership. This leadership gap has often been the difference between progress and stagnation, between peace and conflict, between prosperity and poverty’, he added.

‘Today, I am pleased to formally announce that the Institute, which has received the blessing of the National Universities Commission as an affiliate of Bells University of Technology, is now ready for the full take-off of its programmes’.

‘This is not just an institutional milestone—it is a personal dream fulfilled. Our mission is clear: to equip leaders at all levels with the skills, capability, understanding, technology, values, orientation and vision necessary to transform our nations individually and our continent collectively’, Obasanjo emphasised.

Penpushing also reports that he said the institute will be a hybrid, though initially headed by a former Military General, it will not be a military organisation but borrow what is good from the military.

‘It is blessed by NUC as an affiliate of Bellstech, but not an entirely academic university. It will copy The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in some ways but not entirely like NIPSS. It will be unique in every way’.

Penpushing reports that Obasanjo expressed appreciation to President John Mahama of Ghana, for graciously commissioning the headquarters of the institute on March 5, 2024, stressing that his unwavering support and commitment to the cause of leadership development in Africa are both inspiring and invaluable.

‘Even within a few months of your Presidency of Ghana, your imprint on development of that great country is clear for all to see.  On many development indicators, Ghana is surging forward’, he noted

‘Your presence with us today, to formally inaugurate this Board, is a testament to your belief in the power of leadership to change destinies and create giants out of Lilliputians. I am also delighted to announce that the Institute is now set for the full take-off of its programmes’.

‘This is a significant milestone, and I am confident that OOLI will become a beacon of excellence in leadership education, preparation and practice. We will collaborate and network with organisations and institutions with similar aims and objectives for beneficial interactions and mutual exchanges.

Penpushing further reports the board chairman explained that the curriculum has been carefully crafted to address the multifaceted demands of leadership in the 21st century at all levels and in all walks or sectors of life and living.

The former President stated that among the flagship programmes to be offered are: Leadership in the Management of Diversities, Leadership in National and International Mediation and Peacebuilding and High-Impact Leadership for Women and Youth

Penpushing also reports that he added that others include 21st Century-Skilled Transformational Leadership, Leadership for Good Governance and National Security and Stability, Leadership in the Changing World, Leadership and Emerging Technologies

The other programmes are Leadership in Wealth Creation, Leadership in Managing High-Value Businesses and Trade, Leadership in Climate Action and Sustainable Development, Leadership and Models of good leaders in the Scriptures

Penpushing reports that he explained that each of these programmes is designed to empower leaders who can navigate complexity, foster inclusivity, drive innovation, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and service.

‘In addition to formal programmes listed above, there will be series of non-formal and semiformal leadership related programmes and activities under the aegis of OOLI. We have assembled a Governing Board of such impressive calibre—drawn from diverse fields, continents, and persuasions’.

‘Your readiness to serve is not taken for granted. Together, we are not only launching an Institute—we are launching a movement. A movement to reclaim Africa’s leadership narrative and invest in a new generation of principled, prepared, and people-focused leaders.

Penpushing further that governing board chairman thanked members for agreeing to serve and for believing in the vision and being part of this history-making journey, calling on them to be guided by the conviction that Africa’s greatest asset is its people.

‘And that with the right leadership, there is no limit to what we can achieve for the continent of Africa and for the world in collaboration with other regions of the world. May God bless you all and may God bless Africa’, he said.

Penpushing also reports that Obasanjo used the opportunity to thank President Kgalema Motlanthe and President Macky Sall and as well as President Ameena Gurib-Fakim for being part of the history

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