29 Oct 2025

Better Leadership for a Better Nigeria After the burial of Dr. Christopher Kolade in Lagos, I travelled to Abuja to participate in the concluding part of the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference, held at Transcorp Hilton and organised by Mrs. Arunma Oteh, with the theme “Better Leadership for a Better Nigeria.” The conference brought together an inspiring collection of thought leaders and reform-minded Nigerians, including His Highness Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, Atedo Peterside, Governor Alex Otti, ministers, and other distinguished panellists who shared invaluable insights on governance, ethics, and leadership. Although I joined during the concluding session, the discussions were deeply engaging. The focus of the conversations revolved around one key idea: that for Nigeria to truly rise, we need leaders who embody compassion, competence, capacity, and courage. One of the highlights of the conversation was the reminder that a true leader must be a peacemaker — one who builds bridges rather than walls, and whose leadership unites people in the pursuit of collective progress. As Mandela rightly said, “The oppressor is a prisoner of hatred; to liberate ourselves, we must liberate the oppressor.” This strongly resonates with my long-held belief that Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not the absence of resources, but the absence of leadership grounded in unity and genuine empathy. I left the conference even more inspired and reassured that with sustained dialogue, selfless leadership, and national unity, Nigeria can and will emerge stronger. We must continue to work for a unified Nigeria — one where leadership reflects the values of equity and compassion, and where every citizen, regardless of background, feels seen, valued, and included in the progress of our dear nation. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO