Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria requires policies that are designed to extend beyond electoral cycles in order to effectively address the country’s numerous challenges.
Obasanjo said Nigerian leaders must adopt strategic thinking and long-term foresight when formulating policies, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved through short-term or partisan approaches.
He spoke virtually on Tuesday at the Second Bi-Annual Honours Awards and Dinner of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Lagos chapter, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.
The former president, who received a Special Recognition Award at the event, expressed pride in the achievements of alumni of the institute and the contributions they have made to national development.
“Remain committed to integrity and principles. Good policy is rooted in honesty, courage and the willingness to put the national interest above short-term or partisan gains,” Obasanjo said.
He added that Nigeria’s problems required vision, patience and policies that could endure beyond electoral cycles.
Obasanjo also urged leaders and professionals to mentor younger Nigerians by investing in their capacity, teaching ethical leadership and encouraging participation in public office. He stressed the importance of strengthening institutions rather than focusing on personalities, noting that true progress is achieved when institutions are resilient, transparent and accountable.
He further called on leaders to promote unity, inclusive development and peaceful democratic practices, adding that trained professionals should play active roles in mediating divisions and building bridges across society.
Obasanjo thanked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies for the recognition and expressed hope that it would continue to produce leaders committed to national progress.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of AANI Lagos, Omolara Balogun, said the awards were meant to recognise individuals who had gone beyond the call of duty in reflecting the mission of the institute.
According to her, the awards were held at a time of significant global and local changes, underscoring the need for renewed focus on policy, public service and personal responsibility.
Balogun said the institute was established to bring together proven leaders from various sectors to work towards building an equitable and united nation. She added that members of the institute were entrusted with a lifelong responsibility to uphold the ideals of a better society.
She noted that through state chapters, members engage host communities by offering thought leadership, solutions and support to those in governance. She added that in Lagos State, efforts were ongoing to bridge the gap between ideals and execution in line with the nation’s broader aspirations.
Balogun said beyond the awards, the institute was implementing a series of engagements aimed at deploying the competence and capacity of its members to support stakeholders, particularly state and local governments.
At the event, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Prof Ayo Omotayo, were also specially recognised.
The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, and the 57th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Comfort Eyitayo, received the Distinguished Service Award.
Other recipients of the Distinguished Service Award included Dr Aderemi Desalu, Maj. Gen. Abimbola Amusu (retd.), Maj. Gen. Obashina Ogunbiyi (retd.), and Maj. Gen. Adetokunbo Fayemiwo (retd.).
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, was honoured with the Legacy Award, alongside Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu and five others.
In total, 29 individuals were recognised across various award categories, while the Nigerian Army and Proshare LLC received institutional awards.
The Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies comprises leaders who have completed the Senior Executive Course at the institute in Kuru, Plateau State. Since its establishment, the association has focused on policy advocacy, leadership development and strategic collaborations aimed at shaping Nigeria’s future.