Nigeria dangerous, suffering rife; visionary, moral leaders needed – Obasanjo

• He disclosed that suffering and hunger are rife, noting that insecurity has made the country a dangerous place

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, says Nigeria needs new set of leaders to pull the nation away from the path of chaotic underdevelopment and widespread poverty and place it on the path of progress and prosperity.

This is even as he bemoaned the parlous and precarious state of Nigeria, saying the country has become volatile, uncertain and complex.

He disclosed that suffering and hunger are rife, noting that insecurity has made the country a dangerous place.

He stated that the leadership has to wake up to its responsibilities in other to create a better world for all Nigerians.

Obasanjo spoke in Lagos at the Africa Methodist Council Heads of Conference Summit and Women’s Movement Leadership Summit, where he was the Chairman of the public lecture.

The lecture’s topic, presented by the General Secretary, World Methodist Council, Bishop Ivan Abrahams, was, ‘Leadership in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous World’.

Obasanjo said Nigerian leaders must re-evaluate the world, adding that there is a need for selfless and visionary leader.

“How do we re-evaluate the world? That is what I believe we have to do in our re-evaluating the world. What do we do? Jesus Christ himself told us that in this world, we would have trouble.

“I will give you two points. Wake up! We need a new generation of leaders; moral leaders, transformational leaders, and servant leaders.

“This new generation of leaders will lead by showing love and leading the re-evaluation and transformation,” he said.

Speaking further, he said, “Nigeria as it is now is volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous and dangerous.

“We have resources in Africa; we have 70 per cent of the world’s copper. Japan has no mineral resources. Singapore is even worse. No resources!

“But, whatever resources we have, if we are devoid of leadership, it won’t get us anywhere. That is why leadership in Africa is very important.

“We can’t create an Africa of hope, prosperity, devoid of oppression and one of security, peace and where leaders have vision, knowledge and understanding this way.”