Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared that Nigerian leaders post-independence are superior to current leaders. Obasanjo made this assertion during the National Daily Awards ceremony held in Lagos. He explained that while politics had been rife back then, Nigerians were determined to select the right leaders who could effectively steer the country. He lamented that Nigeria was not living up to its global depiction as a giant among nations, which was popularized by world leaders after independence.
Obasanjo questioned the qualities that post-independent leaders possessed that are missing in present-day leaders, asked whether there were changes in the nation’s values, and urged Nigerians to work towards achieving meaningful economic and political development. He added that peace, security, justice, and equity were crucial ingredients for the country’s growth. He further suggested that Nigerian leaders need to exhibit character and capacity while setting an example for others to imitate.
Chairman of the occasion, Prince Julius Adeluyi-Adelusi, supports Obasanjo’s stance, calling for a revamped national ethos that creates a just, socially cohesive, equitable, and economically viable Nigeria. The editor-in-chief of National Daily Newspaper, Sylvester Ebhodaghe, emphasized why the awards are necessary to encourage patriotic Nigerians. In his expressions, the awards recognize those Nigerians who endure huge challenges and make sacrifices to better the country.
The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, were among the notable Nigerians presented with awards for their exceptional performances.
