Abuja: The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, has acknowledged the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) as a significant platform for leadership reflection and continuity. This came during her courtesy visit to Prof. Samuel Daramola, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the institute.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mohammed emphasized that OOLI serves as a crucial venue where leadership is not only discussed but also preserved for future generations. She highlighted the importance of building on the achievements of past leaders and viewed the institute as an ongoing legacy of leadership.
The statement from Prof. Elvis Otobo, Media Consultant for OOLI, quoted Mohammed as saying that under Prof. Daramola’s leadership, the institute plays a vital role in stakeholder engagement and advancing continental leadership initiatives. Mohammed also engaged in a strategic meeting with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is the Founder and Chairman of the institute’s board of trustees. The discussions focused on peace building, sustainable development, youth leadership, and strengthening governance institutions across Africa.
The meeting, as per the statement, reaffirmed the alignment between OOLI’s vision and the UN’s broader agenda for inclusive and accountable leadership, as well as the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Obasanjo reiterated OOLI’s commitment to being a hub for leadership excellence in Africa, focusing on building a foundation of wisdom and global engagement for future leaders. Prof. Daramola, speaking on behalf of Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, described the visit as a significant milestone for OOLI’s international partnerships and an affirmation of its work.
Agwai noted that the visit positioned OOLI as a strategic partner in global governance and leadership transformation conversations. He also underscored OOLI’s role as a living archive of African leadership experience and a catalyst for nurturing the next generation of ethical and visionary leaders.