The former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has been appointed Global Patron of the renowned Leadership Empowerment International Conference (LEIC), which is in collaboration with a South-African-based Immanuel Theology Institute International under the banner of Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative Inc (PLDI) based in Nigeria.
Penpushing reports that appointment of Obasanjo was made known on Saturday at the 2024 Conference of the Leadership Development Initiative International held at Treasure House of God, Beside Agbeloba House, Ouarry road in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital
The highlight of the well-attended ceremony was conferment of Doctor of Leadership (D. L) and Doctor of Theology(D.Th) awards on 25 Nigerians which include Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji who is the founder of Penpushing Media
Penpushing further reports that some other awardees are Engr. Anthony Ojeshina, Commander Seni Ogunyemi, Chief Joju Fadairo, Segun Orisajo, Hon Dapo Adeyemi, Kehinde Sogunle, Engr Oluwatoyin Jokosenumi and and Hon. Dele Obadina among others.
The International Coordinator of Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative Inc (PLDI)/ Leadership Empowerment International Conference (LEIC), Prof Olusesi Obateye announced appointment of Obasanjo which attracted loud ovation from guests and awardees.
Penpushing also reports that Obateye explained that the appointment of the former President as the Global Patron was based on his track records across the globe, stressing that it was no more news that Obasanjo is a global figure and personality.
The International Coordinator accompanied by other officials decorated Obasanjo and expressed delight on his physical presence at the ceremony, pointing out that the appointment was and added value to the organisations and its operations
Penpushing reports that Obateye who disclosed that that the presence of the organization is in over 50 countries, stated that Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative Inc (PLDI) is a global platform engaging in massive networking to teach, train value and character in leadership, and thereby creating the path for a better world
The International Coordinator said the theme of the conference is ‘Responsible and Responsive Leadership’, adding that awardees were chosen based on their competence in their various chosen profession and leadership qualities.
Penpushing further reports that Obasanjo speaking at the event wholeheartedly accepted the appointment and commended the International Coordinator of Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative incorporated, Prof. Olusesi Obateye, and President of the South Africa – based Institute, Prof. Van Den Berg Edward Alfred for recognising and encouraging some Nigerians with leadership capacities
The former President who tasked the awardees to see their upliftment as additional challenge to do more in leadership roles, stressed that there is no end to leadership and service to community until a person breathe the last.
“There is no end to leadership and service to your community until you breathe the last. And you can never be too old to be a leader and to give something to the community in which you lead and serve as a leader, to serve your state, your country, the continent and the world’, he added
Penpushing also reports that Obasanjo pointed out that leadership is the bane of all that afflict Nigeria, stressing that if f the country could get its leadership issue right at every level, every other thing will fall in place.
The former President observed that the country is plagued at all levels by leadership that is self – centred, deficit of knowledge and understanding as well as leadership that does not see service as the centrepiece of what leadership is all about.
Penpushing reports that he encouraged Nigerians on need to change the narrative, embrace and enthrone responsive, responsible and transformational leadership at every level if they wanted the desired good governance and better country to become realities.
‘And if you asked me in one word, what is the bane of Nigeria today? I will not think about it twice. I will say it is leadership. Leadership that is self- centred, leadership that is deficit of knowledge and understanding and leadership that does not see service as the centrepiece of what leadership is all about’, Obasanjo emphasised.
“If we can get the leadership right, we will get all other things right. That is what Prof. Olusesi Obateye is doing that is commendable and very good. We must encourage and inculcate good leadership into every level of our national life’, he said.
The International Coordinator of the organisations earlier in his welcome speech lamented that the dearth of good leaders remains the bane of Nigeria’s under-development almost 64 years after Independence.
Meanwhile, the President Immanuel Theology Education Institute International, South Africa, Prof Van Den Berg Edward Alfred who joined the ceremony through zoom congratulated the awardees, and urged them to continue exhibiting leadership qualities to turn around the world better and equally appreciated Obasanjo for considering the relevance of the organisations to have attended the ceremony
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