Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that dishonest leaders pose a greater danger to society, stating that their knowledge of public institutions and government processes enables them to steal more recklessly.
Obasanjo stated this on Tuesday while delivering the convocation lecture of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, as part of the activities marking the university’s Founder’s Day and sixth convocation.
The former president spoke on the theme: “The Nigeria We Want: Education, Leadership and the Responsibility of a New Generation”.
He said integrity, discipline and accountability must be central to leadership, urging young people to reject corruption and embrace the responsibility of building a better Nigeria.
The former president said: “An illegal government without integrity is more dangerous to society because he knows how to steal more than others.”
Obasanjo also described leadership as a position of trust rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment, stressing that public office holders must see themselves as trustees of the people.
“Leadership is that a leader is a trustee, not a landlord. It belongs to the people,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as a soldier, Head of State, farmer and elected president, Obasanjo said effective leadership required the courage to make difficult decisions, including saying no to friends, business associates and members of one’s political party when necessary.
He urged graduates to demonstrate integrity in their respective fields and contribute to building a country where citizens could access quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities and live without fear of violence.
Obasanjo said Nigeria needed leaders who regarded public office as a responsibility rather than an avenue for personal gain.
He also challenged the graduating students to help create a country where young people had equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their family backgrounds, religious beliefs or ethnic identities.
The former president expressed concern over the number of young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, saying the country must create an environment that would give its citizens compelling reasons to remain and contribute to national development.
He called for investment in education, healthcare, technology, agriculture and job creation, stressing that Nigeria must develop the capacity to feed itself and provide meaningful opportunities for its growing population.
The former Head of State also urged Nigerians to promote national unity and reject discrimination based on religion, ethnicity or regional background.
He also emphasised the need for universities to produce graduates equipped not only with academic qualifications but also with practical skills, integrity and the capacity to contribute to society, particularly in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and technological change.
The Ota farmer urged the graduating students to see their education as a responsibility to serve their communities and contribute to the country’s future.
The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji, thanked the former president for making it to the occasion.
The founder of the school, Chief Kola Daisi was also present.