Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said his time in prison under late military ruler Gen. Sani Abacha shows the price leaders sometimes pay for holding firm to their beliefs. He made the remark during an international colloquium in Abeokuta held to mark his 89th birthday. He described leadership as both a heavy responsibility and a rare privilege.

Reflecting on his past, Obasanjo spoke about commanding troops during the Nigerian Civil War and the difficult decisions leaders must take. He said choosing restraint at the end of the war in 1970 helped to prevent more civilian deaths, stressing that leadership often requires moral courage.

He also recalled handing over power to President Shehu Shagari in 1979, describing it as one of the most rewarding moments of his career. According to him, Africa’s problems are more about poor governance than lack of resources. He called for stronger institutions and accountable leadership across the continent.

Obasanjo urged African nations to tap into the strength of the diaspora and invest in grooming future leaders. He ended his speech with hope, saying Africa is a promise waiting to be fulfilled through responsible and service-driven leadership.