Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that managing Nigeria is not daunting.
Obasanjo shared this perspective during the inaugural memorial lecture dedicated to the late Akintola Williams, “Leadership Dynamics: Current Realities and Way Forward,” hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos.
While acknowledging the complexities of the nation, Obasanjo emphasised that effective leadership is the cornerstone of national development.
“Nigeria is indeed a complex country, but it is not difficult to manage. One must be honest with oneself, with Nigeria, and with God,” he stated.
Reflecting on his presidency, he expressed pride in his contributions, highlighting the positive economic conditions during his tenure. “During my time, I did everything necessary for Nigeria, and I can confidently say that,” he remarked.
He recounted his experience upon assuming office, noting that Nigeria had N3.7 billion in reserves while N3.5 billion was needed to service the debt. This prompted him to pursue debt relief, successfully negotiating for it despite Nigeria being the fifth-largest exporter globally. “We not only achieved relief from a significant debt of N3.36 billion but also improved our financial standing, leaving behind over N25 billion in excess crude savings and a reserve exceeding N45 billion,” he said.
Obasanjo honoured the legacy of Akintola Williams, describing him as a wise figure who dedicated his life to serving humanity. “He deserves every recognition we can bestow upon him, not just for his contributions to this country but for his impact in political, social, and economic spheres,” he remarked.
Davidson Alaribe, president of ICAN, noted that the lecture aimed to draw insights from the leadership qualities exemplified by the late Williams. “Let us remember him not just with monuments but through our daily commitment to upholding the standards he set, turning every challenge into an opportunity for excellence,” he encouraged.