Former President Olusegun Obasanjo compared the performances of Nigerian leaders post-independence to what is now available and determined that Nigerians of those days were far superior.
Speaking at the National Daily Awards in Lagos, Obasanjo stated that, while politics was volatile back then, as it is now, they were committed to choosing the right leaders who made the right judgments for the country.
“In fact, in making choices of leaders, I will say Nigerians of post-independence make the right choices of leaders. We all know that if your choice is right, the performance and consequences will be right.”
Obasanjo who is the main speaker at the event, recalled the opinion of world leaders about Nigeria immediately after independence but regretted that the country is not living up to that expectation. “When the then Prime Minister went to the United Nations post-independence, the world referred to Nigeria as a giant in the sun, not even a giant of Africa.
“But the question is, have we lived up to that? If we have not, the question is why? Are there certain qualities that leaders in the post-independence era had that are absent in leadership today? We talk about values, have our values changed? What is Nigeria today, and what is the Nigeria we want? How do we get the Nigeria we want?”
“Over a long period of my life in peacemaking and mediation, I have come to realize that peace, security, and stability are essential ingredients for the development and growth of any country. Without justice, equity, and fairness, no country can attain greatness.
“When you look at us individually, there is something unique about Nigerians. Wherever they go, they excel individually. Today, when you look globally, Nigerians are doing great things individually. It’s time for us to unite and take the country to where it’s supposed to be.
“If we fail to do so, then our existence is useless. We need to make a difference so that we can leave behind a better society.”
In support of his comments, Chairman of the Occasion and Former Minister of Health and Social Services, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, stated that people look up to leaders, hence it is critical that leaders display capacity, character, and lead by example.
“As a country, we urgently need a rebirth of a national ethos. What kind of Nigeria do we want? What role should everyone be playing towards the emergence of such a Nigeria? And how can we own that consciousness and drive it regardless of our current circumstances, regardless of whether we are rich or poor, high or low.”
Speaking on the motive for the awards, Sylvester Ebhodaghe, Editor-in-Chief of National Daily Newspaper, stated that despite the country's issues and commotion, it will not be out of place to celebrate patriotic Nigerians who are making a difference.
“At the National Daily Newspaper, we consider it important to encourage the few Nigerians who, in spite of the challenges, make sacrifices to do their best. Not that they want to be recognized, but because they believe that building a just, socially cohesive, equitable, and economically viable society rests on each of us doing our part.
“We believe that the best way to encourage men and women who still believe in this great country and are willing to give everything to make it work is to recognize and encourage them to continue doing the good things they are doing.”
Mr. Babjide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, and IGP Usman Alkali Baba, Inspector General of Police, were among the distinguished Nigerians who received awards for excellent efforts.

The colonial masters gave your generation a much better country. When your generation took over, you totally destroyed the country. I just pity the next generation because they will meet a much worse country than we have inherited.

Indomie generation will think OBJ is a messiah..

As Buhari regime be na so OBJ own be.... But many won't understand.. Na when Nigeria ex-leaders commot for power na then them they become motivational speaker.. Usless lots.

If u know how the price of food especially garri sky rocket under OBJ's administration then u will understood.. If u notice Buhari self don dey join the motivational speaker.. Same clueless man that brought us here..

Like say Dimka catch u DAT year
Omo na Gpmg for scatter ur good leader head..abi no be the same generation una b