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Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, expressed concern on Friday that, unlike other sectors, politics is the only domain lacking formal leadership training.
Obasanjo emphasized that effective leadership is defined by exposure, experience, education, and character.
He made these remarks during the second edition of the annual Ajibosin Platform symposium, themed “Importance of Leadership in Governance,” which took place in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.
The former president noted that he was informed that even armed robbers undergo apprenticeships, highlighting his worries about the absence of political leadership training. He stated, “That’s not acceptable.”
Obasanjo remarked, “In politics, I discovered there is no training for leadership. Even among armed robbers, I’ve been told there is an apprenticeship. But politics lacks formal training for leadership. That’s not acceptable.
“If you want to become a teacher, you pursue teacher training; however, in politics, individuals simply dive in. That’s part of our issue.”
While delivering his keynote speech, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, attributed Nigeria’s challenges to what he termed a culture of excuses and a politics of evasion.
Chidoka urged Nigerians to shift away from a culture that fosters nepotism and mediocrity, instead of making excuses for the nation's shortcomings.
“Leadership is truly measured not by speeches or charisma but by the systems it establishes. Moral conviction must be reflected in the daily operations of governance, including rules, routines, and institutions that ensure competence and make corruption difficult,” he stated.
“Nigeria’s issue has never been a lack of ideas; it is the lack of systems robust enough to outlive their creators,” he added.
Additionally, the convener of the symposium, Aare Olanrewaju Bakinson, mentioned that the lecture aimed to highlight the vital role effective leadership plays in shaping societies and nations.
“Leadership transcends power; it encompasses responsibility, vision, and service. As we delve into this theme, we’ll explore the qualities of good governance, the impact of leadership on development, and strategies for encouraging ethical leadership,” he explained.
FAQ
Why is there no formal training for political leadership?
Politics is often seen as a field where individuals can enter without any formal education or training, leading to challenges in effective governance and leadership.
What did Osita Chidoka say about Nigeria's leadership?
Osita Chidoka highlighted that Nigeria's problems stem from a culture of excuses and emphasized the need for systems that can ensure effective governance and reduce corruption.
