By Adesina Wahab

The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI), in partnership with the University of Lagos, has hosted a four-day intensive Students’ Leadership Training themed “Leadership for the Future.”

The programme brought together elected student leaders for a deeply engaging and intellectually enriching experience designed to shape a new generation of responsible, visionary, and value driven leaders.

The training opened with a keynote address by His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, who is also the Founder of OOLI.

He delivered a profound lecture on the role, objectives, and values of leadership with a high level of impartation that captivated and engaged the entire audience.
Chief Obasanjo presented his renowned 55 Objectives of a True Leader, highlighting attributes such as Achiever, Actualizer, Analyzer, Arranger, Communicator, Decision Maker, Encourager, Enquirer, Friend, and Giver. He further emphasized 15 Core Values of Good Leadership, including Integrity, Honesty, Dependability, Patriotism, Orderliness, Tolerance, Trustworthiness, and Peace.
The training featured an impressive lineup of facilitators drawn from academia, civil society, mental health, finance, law, business leadership, and transformational leadership development.
Their sessions complemented His Excellency’s keynote and provided practical, real world tools for effective leadership.
The facilitators included: Mrs. Yemi Adamolekun — Responsible Leadership and Activism. Lady Anne Welsh — CEO and Founder of Painless Universal UK, global wellness advocate, and Sickle Cell warrior.
She delivered a deeply inspiring session on resilience in goal pursuit and leadership, emphasizing determination, self belief, and the power of personal adversity as a catalyst for transformational leadership.
Prof. Adewale A. Olawoyin, SAN — The New Student Constitutions and Enabling Laws
Mrs. Toki Mabogunje — Leadership, Communication and Team Bonding
Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Yetunde Adekunle — Financial Management and Regulations
Uche Aderibigbe — Leadership and Emotional Intelligence (Transformative Mental Health)
Mr. Nnaemeka Praise Ifeakor — Financial Literacy & Spending Management
Prof. S. Adedeji Daramola & Dr. Deji Bolusemihi — 21st Century Transformational Leadership: Approaches to Global Challenges
Mr. Abolade Adeniyi Akinwunmi — Professionalism and Administrative Leadership.
These facilitators enriched the training with insights spanning governance, activism, emotional intelligence, financial stewardship, constitutional literacy, communication, and global leadership trends.
The training also enjoyed the presence and support of senior officials of the University of Lagos, including: Professor Folasade Ogunsola — Vice Chancellor, Professor Musa Adebayo Obalola — Dean, Student Affairs Division, Dr. Jumoke Ogunleye — Deputy Dean, Student Affairs Division, Dr. Ganiyu Iyanda — Deputy Dean, Student Affairs Division
Mrs. Janet Aregbesola — Guidance and Counselling Unit
In her closing remarks, Professor Folasade Ogunsola expressed deep appreciation to Chief Obasanjo for his “legendary and monumental” contribution to leadership development. She also commended the OOLI Board of Directors: General Martin Luther Agwai — Director/Chief Executive Officer
Professor Samuel Adedeji Daramola — Deputy Director/Deputy CEO, Mrs. Oluwayemisi O. Gbadebo — Registrar.
The training combined plenary sessions, interactive engagements, emotional intelligence labs, constitutional literacy workshops, financial management training, and leadership reflections. Participants also visited the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Museum, Zoo, and Olumo Rock, enriching their cultural and historical understanding of leadership.