Obasanjo, Oyedepo seek leadership of impact

He said the library was designed to intervene “from the roots,” with leadership formation beginning at secondary school, tertiary institutions and campus leadership structures.

Obasanjo cited the bespoke leadership training for student leaders at University of Lagos as a practical example of such impact. The programme, he noted, has brought “tremendous reorientation” to student leaders and improved governance and representation in the institution.

Oyedepo lauded him for the vision to set up the institute, saying it is “a timely and strategic response to transformative leadership”at a time value-based, impact-driven leadership is needed.

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The clergyman noted the emphasis on experiential learning, saying the institute’s model, where seasoned facilitators and former African presidents from five nations serve on the Board of Trustees teaching from their lived experiences, offers a rare and powerful platform for authentic leadership formation.

He said such approach moves leadership training beyond theory to tested principles, real-life case studies, and lessons distilled from decades of governance, diplomacy, enterprise, and public service.

Oyedepo reiterated his support for OOLI’s dual focus on present and future leadership, from young student leaders to sitting executives and policymakers. He commended the institute for integrating moral conviction, strategic thinking, and practical competence in its curriculum.

He pledged to continue to stand with the institute in prayer, partnership, and participation, and to make his experiences in ministry, education, and institution-building available as a resource to strengthen OOLI’s faculty and programmes.

Speaking on behalf of the Director of the institute Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (Retd.),  the Deputy Director, Prof. Adedeji Daramola, highlighted OOLI’s commitment to taking transformational leadership training across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

He announced that the institute, in partnership with the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, will be engaging with the Gombe State Youth Parliament to deliver intensive youth leadership workshops for students, young professionals, and emerging leaders in Gombe State.

According to Prof. Daramola, this initiative is part of OOLI’s broader mandate to democratize access to high-quality leadership education, ensuring that young people in all regions. North and South, are equipped to lead with integrity and competence.