Nigeria’s former Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, lauded General Yakubu Gowon as a celebrated leader, drawing comparisons to the late British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Speaking at the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) conference in Abuja, Obasanjo highlighted Gowon’s significant impact on Nigeria, noting that few leaders receive such recognition during their lifetime.
The conference, themed “Value-Based Leadership Model for Africa,” convened leaders from Africa and Europe, alongside global Christian figures, to address the continent’s leadership challenges. Obasanjo lamented the decline in global leadership standards and emphasized the need for visionary and ethical leadership in Africa.
He remarked, “Only a few leaders are appreciated in their lifetime. General Gowon, I envy you because you are appreciated while still alive. That, too, is the grace of God in your life. You are like Winston Churchill.” He drew parallels between Gowon’s leadership and Churchill’s legacy, reflecting on how both faced criticism during their times yet made lasting contributions to their nations.
Obasanjo also reflected on the broader context of global conflicts, pointing out the existence of 58 wars involving 92 countries, and questioned the absence of a Third World War despite ongoing turmoil. He concluded by stressing the importance of competent and compassionate leadership in navigating these challenging times, a sentiment echoed by former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana.