Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has charged Nigerian youths to take leadership positions in the country now or they will forever be unable to.
Obasanjo gave the charge as a speaker at the Bridge Foundation’s Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship programme in Abuja on Friday.
“You are the leaders of today; if you don’t take it now, you will never get it. You have to be positively disruptive; don’t accept things the way they are. You need to make those who need to be made uncomfortable uncomfortable,” he said.
The former president harped on the need for the youths to build their knowledge base if they are to become effective leaders.
“Knowledge is very important—accurate knowledge. You also need the fear of God and proximity to God. When you are a leader and you do not fear God, then you are a dangerous leader.
“Wherever you may choose, leadership is very important and the principles are basically the same. A good leader must have certain characteristics. Knowledge is good, but not enough. How diligent are you? What is your level of integrity? What are the values that you cherish?” he asked.