Gowon, Nigeria’s Winston Churchill, I Envy Him – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has continued to pay tribute to General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, describing him as a celebrated leader and likening him to the late British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.

Speaking at the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) conference in Abuja on Monday, Obasanjo praised Gowon’s exceptional leadership and noted that few leaders receive recognition during their lifetime. His remarks underscored Gowon’s lasting impact on Nigeria.

The conference, themed ‘Value-Based Leadership Model for Africa,’ gathered African and European leaders, alongside global Christian figures, to discuss solutions to the continent’s leadership challenges.

Obasanjo, lamenting the decline in global leadership standards, warned against state actors meddling in crucial matters without a deep understanding of their implications. He called for visionary and ethical leadership in Africa, stating:

“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.”

Drawing comparisons to Churchill, Obasanjo continued: “Winston Churchill fought tirelessly for the British Empire, yet he was unappreciated, called a warmonger, and even voted out of Parliament. Still, before he died, he was named ‘Man of the Century.’”

Obasanjo further reflected on how many great leaders, including religious figures like Jesus Christ, were not celebrated during their lifetimes. “If a leader expects praise or admiration from people, he will be sorely disappointed. But God takes care of leaders,” he remarked.

He also touched on global conflicts, stating, “Experts say there are 58 wars in the world today, with 92 countries involved. Yet, they say there is no Third World War. So what do we do?”

Echoing Obasanjo’s views, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, stressed the need for competent and compassionate leadership in Africa, particularly in these challenging times.

He said, “In a world filled with unprecedented challenges and complexities, Africa stands at a critical juncture. The need for visionary, ethical, and value-based leadership has never been more urgent. The future of Africa depends on cultivating leaders who are not only competent but also committed to the well-being of ordinary citizens across our nations.”