The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) has successfully held its Maiden Convocation and Induction Ceremony, marking a historic milestone in its mission to raise a new generation of ethical, visionary, and development driven leaders for Nigeria and Africa.
The event featured a powerful convocation lecture delivered by Professor Banji Oyelaran Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation to the African Development Bank Group, titled “Leadership and Economic Development.”
A Call for Visionary, Ethical, and Competent Leadership
In his keynote lecture, Professor Oyelaran Oyeyinka delivered a compelling and data rich analysis of Nigeria’s leadership challenges and the urgent need for a new leadership ethos. He emphasized that:
- Leadership determines the social, political, and economic trajectory of nations.
- Vision, strategic planning, merit based appointments, crisis management, and integrity are non negotiable qualities for national transformation.
- Nigeria’s development has been hindered by a persistent “vision–execution gap,” weak institutions, predatory governance, and the resource curse.
- Countries such as Singapore, South Korea, Rwanda, Vietnam, and China demonstrate how disciplined leadership and industrial policy can transform nations within decades.
He urged Nigeria to embrace value based recruitment, strengthen institutions, industrialize agriculture, and invest heavily in human capital. He also recommended that OOLI establish a Nigerian Youth Leadership Academy to nurture future leaders grounded in ethics, policy competence, and national service.
President Olusegun Obasanjo Constitutes the Convocation
The Registrar of OOLI, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Gbadebo, invited His Excellency President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the OOLI Board, to formally constitute the convocation and induction of graduates.
President Obasanjo congratulated the inductees and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to grooming leaders who will place national interest above personal gain.
Leadership Excellence at the Core of OOLI’s Vision
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director and Chief Executive Officer, General Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd.), described OOLI as a response to Africa’s urgent need for quality leadership. He noted that the Institute was conceived as:
- A nursery for grooming a new breed of leaders,
- A centre for practical, innovative, and experiential leadership training,
- A platform to catalyze development from the family unit to the global stage.
Deputy Chief Executive, Professor Samuel Daramola, assured participants that OOLI will continue to collaborate with leading global institutions to deliver world class, practice based leadership education.
Graduates Commend OOLI’s Transformative Impact
Several inductees shared their experiences, praising the Institute’s curriculum, faculty, and vision:
Pastor Seun Aderibigbe
Senior Pastor, RCCG; Barrister-at-Law He celebrated the quality of training and highlighted OOLI’s innovative leadership programme for secondary school prefects, an initiative he personally benefited from as a former Lagos State head boy. He described OOLI as a continuation of President Obasanjo’s enduring legacy across generations.
Ambassador Dr. Deji Bolusemihi
Managing Director, Midfield Insurance Brokers Ltd; UNIPGC Diplomat He applauded the facilitators and emphasized that OOLI’s curriculum promotes a new model of Afrodemocracy tailored to Africa’s developmental realities. He encouraged corporate organizations to adopt OOLI’s programmes for leadership renewal.
United Kingdom: He commended the Institute’s international faculty and noted President Obasanjo’s experiential insights into Africa’s leadership deficits as a highlight of the programme.
A New Dawn for Leadership Development in Africa
The maiden convocation of OOLI signals the beginning of a long term continental project to redefine leadership culture in Africa. With its blend of global expertise, practical training, and ethical grounding, the Institute aims to produce leaders capable of driving sustainable development, institutional reform, and national transformation.
About OOLI
The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute is dedicated to developing visionary, ethical, and competent leaders for Nigeria and Africa. Through innovative programmes, global partnerships, and experiential learning, OOLI equips leaders at all levels to drive positive change in governance, business, and civil society.
