By Adeola Badru

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has renewed his call for values-driven leadership, urging Nigerians to embrace integrity, discipline, service and responsible governance as the foundation for national development and sustainable economic growth.

The former President, during a two-day CEO Roundtable hosted by GOTNI, emphasised that leadership must remain anchored on accountability and national interest, noting that the impact of sound governance continues to resonate across generations of Nigerians.

In his keynote address, Obasanjo highlighted that the reforms introduced during his administration continued to shape economic opportunities in the country, particularly the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, which opened up the industry to private participation and expanded access for millions of Nigerians.

The former President, who addressed an audience of business executives, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders from across the country, said that one of those positively impacted by his administration’s legacy was Dr Femi Joshua, adding that the reforms had changed the course of his life.

In his remarks at the two-day CEO Roundtable, Dr Femi Joshua said the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector created unprecedented opportunities for him and many others from modest backgrounds.

He said the emergence of companies such as MTN, Globacom and Econet enabled him to build a career in the telecommunications industry.

Dr Joshua explained that he began his professional journey with MTN before moving to Globacom and later transitioning into consultancy.

He said his experience in the industry eventually led him into entrepreneurship, sales leadership and real estate development.

Dr Joshua, the Chief Executive Officer of FJGlobal Properties and Founder of the African School of Sales and Management, said he is committed to developing entrepreneurs, raising business leaders and equipping young professionals with practical leadership and sales skills.

The event took an emotional turn when Dr Joshua disclosed that he had lost his biological father several years ago and described Obasanjo as a father figure whose leadership and service to Nigeria and Africa had inspired him over the years.

He said he viewed the former President as a mentor whose life of service and national contribution had shaped his personal outlook and aspirations.

He added that, in light of this connection, he requested that Obasanjo accept him as an adopted son.

Responding immediately, Obasanjo took the microphone and publicly accepted the request, drawing applause from participants at the event.

The former President said the gesture reflected the importance of mentorship, intergenerational guidance and value-based leadership in national development.

The acceptance marked the beginning of what both men described as a relationship built on mentorship, discipline and shared values.

In the same vein, Dr. Joshua paid a private visit to Obasanjo’s residence in Ota, Ogun State.

During the visit, Obasanjo emphasised the importance of discipline, consistency and service in leadership, encouraging younger professionals to remain committed to nation-building and ethical enterprise.

While responding, Dr Joshua described the encounter as one of the most defining moments of his personal and professional journey.

He said he was deeply grateful for the opportunity to relate with Chief Obasanjo not only as a former President and elder statesman, but also as a mentor and guide.

He added that he remained committed to being teachable and to upholding the values of discipline, courage, integrity, service and nation-building.

The visit also provided an opportunity for him to present his flagship real estate development, JABI PRIME HUB, a mixed-use project located in Abuja.

According to him, Obasanjo offered strategic guidance on the execution of the project and stressed the importance of ensuring it delivers sustainable economic value, supports national development and remains globally competitive.

He said the guidance received would significantly influence the implementation of the project and strengthen his commitment to delivering developments that attract investment, create jobs and drive long-term economic growth.