Abeokuta: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasized the necessity for adults and societal leaders to provide truthful, transparent, transformational, and selfless leadership to empower youths. He made this statement while speaking at the grand reunion and maiden lecture series of the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), United Kingdom Alumni Association, Nigerian Chapter.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Obasanjo delivered a lecture titled, ‘The Challenges of Youth in a Fractured World.’ Represented by Prof. Samuel Daramola, Deputy Director of the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute, he defined youth as a period between childhood and adulthood marked by vitality, idealism, hope, and dreams. Obasanjo observed that while today’s leaders once experienced this phase, today’s youths face numerous challenges in a fractured world.
Obasanjo reflected on his own youth, noting that despite the threats of the time, there was a semblance of order and respect for international laws. He lamented that today’s youths face significant challenges and should not be left to handle them alone. He urged leaders to invest in the future rather than deplete resources meant for future generations and stressed the importance of incorporating youths into all aspects of life.
As the association’s grand patron, Obasanjo encouraged youths to develop a resilient character essential for self-reliance in a fractured world, asserting that youths are leaders today, not just tomorrow. Retired Maj.-Gen. Oluwaseun Oshinowo, President of the Association, explained that the meeting aimed to discuss critical issues to advance the nation and highlighted the importance of youths in national development.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Mrs. Abosede Awolola, reaffirmed the significance of RCDS in global leadership formation. He emphasized the Tinubu administration’s commitment to a citizen-focused and economically driven foreign policy. Special Guest Gov. Dapo Abiodun, represented by Olusola Subair, stressed the threat posed by the breakdown of family values to national development and urged stakeholders to guide youths toward productive ventures.
The Royal College of Defence Studies, established in 1927 in the United Kingdom, remains a pivotal institution in strategic learning and leadership.