He Olusegun Obasanjo The Leadership Institute (OOLI) on Tuesday hosted Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, for a high-level visit that underlined the Institute’s growing global relevance in developing leadership and governance discourse across Africa.
During her visit, Mrs. Mohammed held strategic discussions with Professor Samuel Adedeji Daramola, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of the institute.
Founded by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, OOLI, located in Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State, is dedicated to cultivating ethical, visionary and transformative leaders through research, training, dialogue and strategic partnerships.
Professor Daramola plays a central role in driving the institute’s continental leadership initiatives, working alongside former African presidents, diplomats and global academics to advance its mission.
Praising OOLI as a unique platform for reflection and continuity of leadership, Ms. Mohammed said: “OOLI is a place to discuss and remember leadership. It is important for us to lean on those who have been there. For us, this is a demonstration of the legacy of a life that is not over yet, but still leads, and this is really important.”
In a statement released by Professor Elvis Otobo, the UN deputy chief’s comments highlighted OOLI as a living archive of African leadership and a forward-thinking engine for nurturing the next generation of visionary leaders.
Following her interaction with Professor Daramola, the UN Under-Secretary-General proceeded to a closed-door meeting with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
The closed-door session between Mrs. Mohammed and Chief Obasanjo focused on shared priorities, including peacebuilding, sustainable development, youth leadership and strengthening governance institutions across Africa.
The meeting reaffirmed the alignment between OOLI’s vision and the broader United Nations agenda for inclusive and accountable leadership and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking on behalf of the Director of the Institute, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Professor Daramola described the visit as an important milestone in OOLI’s international partnerships.
“Having the UN Under-Secretary-General at OOLI is both an honor and a validation of our work,” said Professor Daramola.
“Their reflections on legacy, continuity and standing on the shoulders of proven leaders speak directly to why OOLI exists. We are committed to translating these values into concrete programs that impact communities, institutions and future leaders across Africa and beyond.”
In his remarks, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo reiterated OOLI’s commitment to serving as a continental center for leadership excellence.
“Our goal at OOLI is to ensure that leadership in Africa is not left to chance,” Chief Obasanjo said. “We are building a space where experience, scholarship and practice meet, so that future leaders do not start from scratch, but from a foundation of proven wisdom and global commitment.”
The high-level visit further positions OOLI as a strategic partner in global conversations on governance and development, opening new avenues of collaboration with multilateral institutions, universities and civil society organizations around the world.
WATCH THE BEST VIDEOS FROM Newslodge TV