By Seun Adams
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has reiterated that leadership across the different levels of governments will amount to failure if there is no succession template.
This is coming even as he called on Nigerian youth to be patient, obedient, and diligent and focused in their pursuit of future destinies and structures as they navigate the labyrinth of leadership nexus.
The former President who was represented by the former Managing Director, Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Jide Adedeji, acknowledged that elders possess wisdom and valuable guidance based on their experience and in that vein stand as role to the youth especially as they seek leadership positions.
He made the disclosure at a book launch of Elders, The Younger People Are Coming in Abuja which held at Nicon Luxury on Saturday March 29, 2025, brought together political and religious leaders to address Nigeria’s deepening leadership crisis.
In his remarks, the book launch Chairman, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, reinforced Jonathan’s view, highlighting a leadership vacuum across governance, religious institutions, and society.
He stressed that successful leadership requires mentoring younger generations to ensure smooth transitions.
Other speakers, including former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom and ex-House of Representatives Speaker Patricia Etteh, echoed similar sentiments, urging leaders to raise and empower successors rather than cling to power indefinitely.
Also, Pastor Adaji Oloche of City of Refuge International Church added a spiritual dimension, cautioning that past generations have left burdens rather than legacies. He called for sincerity and divine intervention to steer Nigeria toward a sustainable leadership culture.
The author of the book, Dr. Tor Uja, underscored the urgency of bridging generational divides, praying for leaders who would create seamless transitions as ‘silent and beautiful as a well-stitched garment.’
With Nigeria at a crossroads, the consensus at the launch was clear—true leadership is not about holding power but ensuring a responsible and prepared next generation to carry the nation forward.
