On Monday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo revealed that he has always secretly respected Gen. Yakubu Gowon, the previous head of state, since he was one of the few world leaders who get recognition during their lifetime.

The effusive tribute was delivered by Obasanjo during the opening ceremony of the African Biblical Leadership Initiative’s four-day international conference in Abuja.

Gowon’s ascent to power came after the countercoup in July 1966, and he held the position for the longest continuous tenure as head of state, governing for nearly nine years until being overthrown in a coup d’état in 1975 by Brig. Murtala Mohammed.

Some have accused Gowon of crimes against humanity and genocide during the Nigerian Civil War, which lasted from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970, and was one of the bloodiest in modern history.

The former head of state insisted that his leadership rescued the nation and that he did nothing wrong throughout the conflict.

Gowon celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday, October 19, 2024, and was welcomed by a number of national leaders and organisations, including President Bola Tinubu.

Obasanjo compared Gowon to the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who he called an unsung hero because he received no recognition for his military prowess and displays of patriotism. The ABLI initiative, which had as its theme “Value-based leadership model for Africa,” drew a number of African and European leaders as well as international Christian leaders.

He said that Churchill’s political significance and military accomplishment in his latter years were eventually recognised with a “Man of the Century” honour.

“Only a few leaders receive appreciation during their lifetime,” he remarked. I’m envious of you, General (Gowon), as you are valued during your lifetime. That is also the result of God’s grace in your life.

“You remind me of Winston Churchill.” He served the British Empire while fighting in the dark and at sea. Ultimately, he received no recognition, was referred to as a belligerent, and was even expelled from the Parliament.

However, he was named “Man of the Century” before to his passing. He was valued.

Our Lord Jesus Christ and nearly all of his disciples are among the many leaders who might not be appreciated. Many of them passed away in conditions that are inappropriate for a leader’s final moments.

Therefore, a leader will be greatly let down if he anticipates receiving compliments, devotion, and adulation from people. But leaders are cared for by God.

Speaking on the ongoing conflicts in the world, Obasanjo bemoaned the fact that over half of all nations were engaged in conflict.

According to experts, there are currently 58 conflicts raging in the world, with 92 nations either directly or indirectly participating, he stated.

That amounts to half of the world’s nations. However, they said that there isn’t a third world war. What then should we do?

The former president expressed dismay that the current generation of leaders just followed their instincts and voiced concerns about the loss of leadership on the international scene.

He pointed out that a number of state actors had also taken to experimenting with significant leadership issues that they knew very little or nothing about.

Prof. Jerry Gana, a former minister of information, agreed with him.

“Africa is in dire need of one,” Gana said, rallying support for capable leadership.

“Africa stands at a critical juncture in a world marked by unprecedented challenges and complexities,” he remarked. There has never been a greater pressing demand for ethical, imaginative, and values-based leadership.

“Africa’s future depends on our capacity to develop leaders who are not only capable, empathetic, and dedicated to the welfare of the common people in our diverse nations,” he stated.