Photo caption: Dr Victor Koh, Vice President for Social and Economic Development, International Leadership Foundation (ILF)
By DAYO ADESULU
OOLI Hosts High-Level Leadership Training Ahead of Maiden Convocation
The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) has wrapped up a major executive leadership training in Abeokuta, drawing global development thinkers whose messages challenged African nations—especially Nigeria—to rethink governance, values, innovation, and economic direction. The session sets the tone for the Institute’s maiden convocation lecture scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the OOPL Mini Auditorium.
Prof. Delanyo Adadevoh, Facilitator at Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) Founder and President of the International Leadership Foundation (ILF)
The programme, packed with actionable insights and reforms, forms part of OOLI’s long-term mission to equip values-driven leaders capable of shifting Africa from stagnation to sustainable growth.
Dr Victor Koh Urges Nigeria to Embrace Values-Based, Disciplined Governance
Dr Victor A. Koh, an internationally renowned transformation strategist, delivered one of the strongest lectures during the Obasanjo Leadership Institute leadership training. As Vice President for Social and Economic Development at the International Leadership Foundation (ILF), Dr Koh has spent over four decades advising nations, including Singapore and Kenya, on governance, institutional restructuring, and policy execution.
Drawing from Singapore’s journey “from third world to first,” he listed the mindset and institutional pillars that restored national trust and delivered economic miracles. He explained that nations rise when they adopt discipline, clarity of purpose, and consistent policy delivery.
Key Pillars Singapore Used — And Nigeria Can Adopt
Anti-corruption: Independent institutions such as Singapore’s CPIB protected public trust and ensured accountability.
Housing reform: Affordable, high-quality mass housing through the Housing & Development Board (HDB).
Savings culture: A national commitment to self-reliance led by the Central Provident Fund (CPF).
Human capital: Universal access to education and healthcare.
Investment strategy: Bold policies driven by the Economic Development Board attracted foreign investment and diversified the economy.
Dr Koh stressed that Nigeria must redefine its national values and confront its deep-seated dependence mentality. “Nations do not transform by chance,” he said. “They transform through shared values, clear priorities, and disciplined leadership.”
Prof. Delanyo Adadavoh: Africa Must Shift from Dependency to Innovation
Another key facilitator, Professor Delanyo Adadavoh—Founder and President of the ILF—examined Africa’s paradox: a continent with 30% of the world’s resources yet home to the largest concentration of poor people.
He told participants that the challenge is not only structural but philosophical. Africa, he argued, must change how it thinks, how it governs, and how it distributes opportunities.
His Transformation Framework Highlights Four Critical Shifts
Self-image: From negative identity to confidence and continental pride.
Technology: From borrowing to building indigenous solutions.
Production: From exporting raw materials to owning value-addition hubs.
Governance: From favouritism to fairness in resource allocation.
Prof. Adadavoh urged policymakers and emerging leaders to pursue national visions grounded in justice, innovation, and collective progress. He said Africa’s future depends on courageous ideas that break old cycles of dependency.
OOLI Maiden Convocation Lecture to Deepen Policy Conversations
The training sets the stage for OOLI’s first convocation lecture, featuring Professor Banji Oyelarin Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation at the African Development Bank. His lecture, themed “Leadership and Economic Development,” will explore how Singapore’s proven strategies and Africa’s innovation goals can merge to guide inclusive industrialisation.
Graduating students and invited guests are expected to be seated by 11:00 am ahead of the 12:00 noon session.
OOLI Reaffirms Its Commitment to Grooming Transformational Leaders
The Institute restated its mission to strengthen African institutions by producing leaders who combine strong values with measurable results. Its model leans on high-impact training, international collaborations, and evidence-driven engagements that support communities and policy systems.
For partnership enquiries, Professor Adedeji Daramola, Deputy Chief Executive, remains the primary contact. More information can be found on the OOLI website.
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