Africa must learn from past leaders, says UN deputy chief

The United Nations' Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has emphasized the importance for Africa to learn from the experiences of past leaders in order to cultivate the next generation of ethical and visionary leaders. During her visit to the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, she highlighted the institute as a crucial platform where leadership experiences can be preserved, discussed, and passed on to future generations.

Mohammed stated, "Leadership for us to stand on the shoulders of those who have been there is important." OOLI, established by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, aims to ensure that leadership development in Africa is grounded in experience, scholarship, and practice, rather than left to chance. The institute seeks to create a space where experience, scholarship, and practice converge, enabling future leaders to build upon a foundation of tested wisdom and global engagement.

Mohammed's visit to OOLI was also accompanied by a meeting with former President Obasanjo, during which they discussed peacebuilding, sustainable development, youth leadership, and strengthening governance institutions across Africa. The Deputy Secretary-General's endorsement of OOLI's work in leadership development further solidifies the institute's role as a strategic platform for global conversations on governance, development, and leadership transformation.