Ex-Ethiopian PM lauds Obasanjo on leadership training

Former Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, has eulogised the virtues of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for establishing a leadership training institute to produce generations of leaders that will bring genuine socio-economic prosperity to Africa and the world at large.

The former leader gave the commendation while visiting the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, recently.

Hailemariam is globally recognised for steering his country through a peaceful democratic transition—a move considered unprecedented in Ethiopia’s modern history.

Also, as a former Chairman of the African Union, he championed regional integration, sustainable development, and youth empowerment, leaving a legacy of diplomacy and reform that continues to shape Africa’s governance landscape.

Underscoring OOLI’s role as a catalyst for transformative leadership, particularly across Africa, Hailemariam commended the institute’s innovative programmes, cross-continental partnerships, and commitment to inclusive governance.

He praised the institute’s curriculum for blending ethical stewardship with practical, scenario-based training that addresses Africa’s most pressing challenges, expressing optimism of its great impact in the near future.

According to him, “OOLI’s model for leadership development is a game-changer for Africa and beyond.

“So, by combining rigorous academic frameworks with real-world simulations and a pan-African network of partners, the institute will elevate the standards of public service and corporate governance not only in Africa but globally,” he stressed

In a statement made available by Professor Elvis Otobo, Hailemariam, however, advocated strengthening of OOLI’s signature executive workshops to reach leadership cohorts in no fewer than 30 African countries and extend same to partners in Asia, Europe, and the America.

He gave kudos to Chief Obasanjo and the leadership of the institute for their commitments to African project.

In his response, the founder of OOLI, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, expressed delight for Hailemariam’s visit, describing him as a true leader.

While reaffirming his commitment to the training of leaders capable of breaking cycles of poverty and conflicts in Africa, Obasanjo promised that OOLI would not renege in the vision.

According to him, OOLI will remain dedicated to equipping leaders with the requisite skills, networks, and resources needed to drive meaningful progress across Africa and around the world.

Speaking earlier, the Deputy Chief Executive of the institute, Professor Adedeji Daramola, shared the institute’s roadmap for the next decade, saying, “we intend to deepen our reach from West to Southern Africa, forge new alliances with UN agencies and global think-tanks.

“We will also leverage on virtual reality technology to deliver immersive training in conflict resolution, sustainable development as well as digital transformation,” he added.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE