The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI), in partnership with the University of Lagos, successfully hosted a four day intensive Students’ Leadership Training themed “Leadership for the Future.”
The programme brought together elected student leaders for a deeply engaging and intellectually enriching experience designed to shape a new generation of responsible, visionary, and values driven leaders.
The training opened with a keynote address by His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, former Military Head of State (1976–1979), former President of Nigeria (1999–2007), and Founder of OOLI. His Excellency delivered a profound lecture on the role, objectives, and values of leadership with a high level of impartation that captivated and engaged the entire audience
Obasanjo’s Leadership Framework
Chief Obasanjo presented his renowned 55 Objectives of a True Leader, highlighting attributes such as Achiever, Actualizer, Analyzer, Arranger, Communicator, Decision Maker, Encourager, Enquirer, Friend, and Giver. He further emphasized 15 Core Values of Good Leadership, including Integrity, Honesty, Dependability, Patriotism, Orderliness, Tolerance, Trustworthiness, and Peace.
Distinguished Facilitators Deliver High Impact Sessions
The training featured an impressive lineup of facilitators drawn from academia, civil society, mental health, finance, law, business leadership, and transformational leadership development. Their sessions complemented His Excellency’s keynote and provided practical, real world tools for effective leadership.
The facilitators included:
- Mrs. Yemi Adamolekun — Responsible Leadership and Activism.
- Lady Anne Welsh — CEO and Founder of Painless Universal UK, global wellness advocate, and Sickle Cell warrior. She delivered a deeply inspiring session on resilience in goal pursuit and leadership, emphasizing determination, self belief, and the power of personal adversity as a catalyst for transformational leadership.
- Prof. Adewale A. Olawoyin, SAN — The New Student Constitutions and Enabling Laws
- Mrs. Toki Mabogunje — Leadership, Communication and Team Bonding
- Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Yetunde Adekunle, FCA — Financial Management and Regulations
- Uche Aderibigbe — Leadership and Emotional Intelligence (Transformative Mental Health)
- Mr. Nnaemeka Praise Ifeakor — Financial Literacy & Spending Management
- Prof. S. Adedeji Daramola & Dr. Deji Bolusemihi — 21st Century Transformational Leadership: Approaches to Global Challenges
- Mr. Abolade Adeniyi Akinwunmi, FNIM, FCAI — Professionalism and Administrative Leadership.
These facilitators enriched the training with insights spanning governance, activism, emotional intelligence, financial stewardship, constitutional literacy, communication, and global leadership trends.
Institutional Leadership and Support
The training also enjoyed the presence and support of senior officials of the University of Lagos, including:
- Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS — Vice Chancellor
- Professor Musa Adebayo Obalola — Dean, Student Affairs Division
- Dr. Jumoke Ogunleye — Deputy Dean, Student Affairs Division
- Dr. Ganiyu Iyanda — Deputy Dean, Student Affairs Division
- Mrs. Janet Aregbesola — Guidance and Counselling Unit
In her closing remarks, Professor Folasade Ogunsola expressed deep appreciation to His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for his “legendary and monumental” contribution to leadership development. She also commended the OOLI Board of Directors:
- General Martin Luther Agwai, CFR — Director/Chief Executive Officer
- Professor Samuel Adedeji Daramola — Deputy Director/Deputy CEO
- Mrs. Oluwayemisi O. Gbadebo — Registrar
A Transformative Experience for Future Leaders
The training combined plenary sessions, interactive engagements, emotional intelligence labs, constitutional literacy workshops, financial management training, and leadership reflections. Participants also visited the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Museum, Zoo, and Olumo Rock, enriching their cultural and historical understanding of leadership.
