The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) on Tuesday hosted Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, for a high-level visit that underscored the Institute’s growing global relevance in leadership development and governance discourse across Africa.
During her visit, Mrs Mohammed held strategic discussions with Prof Samuel Adedeji Daramola, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees member of the institute.
Founded by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, OOLI, located in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, is dedicated to cultivating ethical, visionary, and transformational leaders through research, training, dialogue, and strategic partnerships.
Prof Daramola plays a central role in driving the institute’s continental leadership initiatives, working alongside former African presidents, diplomats, and global scholars to advance its mission.
Lauding OOLI as a unique platform for leadership reflection and continuity, Mrs Mohammed stated: “OOLI is a place for leadership to be discussed and remembered. It is important for us to stand on the shoulders of those who have been there. For us, this is a demonstration of a legacy of a life that is not yet done, but is still leading—and this is really important.”
In a statement released by Professor Elvis Otobo, the UN Deputy Chief’s remarks highlighted OOLI as both a living archive of African leadership and a forward-looking engine for nurturing the next generation of visionary leaders.
Following her interaction with Prof Daramola, the UN Deputy Secretary-General proceeded to a closed-door meeting with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
The closed-door session between Mrs Mohammed and Chief Obasanjo focused on shared priorities, including peacebuilding, sustainable development, youth leadership, and strengthening governance institutions across Africa.
The meeting reaffirmed the alignment between OOLI’s vision and the United Nations’ broader agenda for inclusive, accountable leadership and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking on behalf of the Director of the Institute, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Prof Daramola described the visit as a significant milestone in OOLI’s international partnerships.
“Having the UN Deputy Secretary-General at OOLI is both an honour and a validation of our work,” Prof Daramola said.
“Her reflections on legacy, continuity, and standing on the shoulders of proven leaders speak directly to why OOLI exists. We are committed to translating these values into concrete programmes that impact communities, institutions, and future leaders across Africa and beyond.”
In his remarks, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo reiterated OOLI’s commitment to serving as a continental hub for leadership excellence.
“Our goal at OOLI is to ensure that leadership in Africa is not left to chance,” Chief Obasanjo said. “We are building a space where experience, scholarship, and practice meet—so that future leaders do not start from zero, but from a foundation of tested wisdom and global engagement.”
The high-level visit further positions OOLI as a strategic partner in global conversations on governance and development, opening new avenues for collaboration with multilateral institutions, universities, and civil society organisations worldwide.
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV