Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that Nigeria will continue to struggle unless its leaders begin to design and implement policies that are sustainable, strategic, and capable of outliving election cycles.
Obasanjo delivered the charge on Tuesday while speaking virtually at the Second Bi-Annual Honours Awards & Dinner of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy & Strategic Studies (AANI), Lagos chapter, held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja. The former president received a Special Recognition Award at the event.
He said Nigeria’s deepening challenges require leaders who can think beyond the immediate pressures of politics and elections, stressing that genuine progress will only come through deliberate long-term planning.
“Good policy is rooted in honesty, courage and the willingness to put national interest above short-term or partisan gains,” Obasanjo told the gathering. “Nigeria’s problems demand vision, patience and the capacity to design policies that endure beyond electoral cycles.”
He urged AANI members to help nurture future leaders by mentoring young Nigerians, promoting ethical values, and strengthening public institutions.
“Invest in young people. Teach them ethical leadership and support their participation in public affairs,” he said. “Strengthen institutions, because real development happens when institutions—not individuals—are robust, transparent, and accountable.”
Obasanjo also encouraged the alumni to remain champions of unity and constructive engagement, using their training to mediate conflict and promote inclusive development.
AANI Lagos underscores leadership responsibility
Chairman of AANI Lagos, Omolara Balogun, said the award ceremony was designed to honour individuals who embody the ideals of the National Institute and contribute meaningfully to national development.
She noted that the ceremony was taking place at a time of significant local and global transition, when the need for robust governance, responsible citizenship, and effective policy action is more important than ever.
Balogun said the institute was established to bring together accomplished leaders across sectors to develop solutions to Nigeria’s governance challenges and shape a more united nation.
“Those who pass through the institute are not only recognised as members but are entrusted with a lifelong responsibility to work toward a better society,” she said.
She revealed that the Lagos chapter has intensified engagements with communities and state institutions to apply the expertise of its members to real governance issues.
Sanwo-Olu, Akiolu, LASU VC, others honoured
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof Ayo Omotayo, were among those specially recognised at the event.
Several notable figures also received the Distinguished Service Award, including Lagos State University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello; former ICAN President Comfort Eyitayo; Dr Aderemi Desalu; Maj. Gen. Abimbola Amusu (retd.); Maj. Gen. Obashina Ogunbiyi (retd.); and Maj. Gen. Adetokunbo Fayemiwo (retd.).
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, was honoured with the Legacy Award, alongside Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu and five other eminent Nigerians.
A total of 29 individuals were celebrated under various categories, while the Nigerian Army and Proshare LLC received institutional awards.
AANI is the umbrella body of graduates of the Senior Executive Course of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru. It focuses on national transformation through policy advocacy, leadership development, and strategic partnerships.
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