Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has exhorted leaders to read and acquire knowledge that will enable them to govern well.
He decried the rampant illiteracy among leaders, which is manifested in the quality of leadership around the world today.
Mr. Obasanjo lamented the lack of good quality leaders around the world.
He said the world today lacks leaders who can move the world forward.
Mr. Obasanjo made the remarks on Monday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 11th African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) conference hosted by the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN).
The former president said leaders must exhibit good traits such as knowledge and understanding, driven by teamwork and team spirit.
He said, “If there is anything lacking in the world today, it is leadership. Lack of leadership is our major problem in the world today, and of course Africa is part of the world. And if you like, Nigeria is also part of Africa, so we are no exception either.
“What are we talking about as Christians? If you want to talk about leadership, it’s all in the Bible. The key characteristics of a leader are very important.
“One is knowledge and understanding. A good leader must have knowledge and understanding. One thing I’ve noticed about so-called leaders is that they make a big deal about things they know little or nothing about. It means talking seriously.
“And it’s very annoying and very discouraging when someone you expect to guide you is actually leading you into something you don’t know enough about.
“And knowledge must be accompanied by understanding, because knowledge and understanding are two different things,” the former Nigerian head of state added.
He claimed: “You may have knowledge, you may not understand, but when you have knowledge and understanding, it’s very important and it makes a big difference in leadership.
“When I look at someone in a leadership position, I ask: What is the purpose of this job? The first thing we learn in the military is the mission. When we have something to do, What is your mission? You must be precise.
“Some people in leadership positions don’t even have a goal. They don’t have a mission. How do you think they’ll do well?”
