Q&A SESSION African Leaders Global Engagement Series with President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The New Faces of Leadership - excerpt from President Obasanjo's Speech

The word “leadership” in Africa often evokes negative emotions and proclamations. It is often associated with despotic power-hungry leaders who had used their positions for personal gains and are frequently unwilling to let go of power. Bokassa and Mobutu were typical examples. It is unfortunate that the optimism that attended the immediate post-independence period has not translated into concrete socio-economic development as envisaged by the founding fathers. Africa’s aspiration and hopes remain today, largely unfulfilled.

The equation that once produced leaders in Africa is changing and the ethos of leadership is being transformed as a number of leadership categories are emerging. Let me mention six of these categories.

First are the political leaders. They are the active players in governance. They formulate policies and direct the affairs of the nation. Second are business leaders, who wield influence on their own and with the political leaders to ensure that they can take calculated risks for the improvement and sustenance of the economy and of their investments. Third are the activists, who have become the rallying point for the underprivileged, the oppressed and the marginalised. The fourth are religious leaders, who command large, obedient and faithful following.

The fifth are celebrities and athletes who have cult-like following particularly on social media and can easily sway the thoughts of the majority in the court of public opinion. The sixth are in the ivory tower of academia, research, technology and innovation. Traditional leaders have substantially lost influence and relevance if not prestige.

Today in Africa, young people are largely involved in the last five categories and have found breaking through the ranks of political leadership not easily permeable or attainable. Young Africans are thriving in businesses, holding government accountable as civil society activists, leading religious movements as influencers and excelling in entertainment and sports on a global scale. However, they have not been able to sit at the table where the policies that affect them are made. In retrospect, they are not entirely at fault.

To listen to the full speech click on this link

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