By NGOZI NJOKU

Bishop David Oyedepo says he will collaborate with the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) to train youths in transformative leadership across Africa.

This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos by Prof. Elvis Otobo, Media Consultant to the institute.

According to the statement, Oyedepo, during a visit to the institute, described OOLI as a timely and strategic response to realign emerging leaders with transformative leadership traits.

He said values-based, impact-driven leadership was urgently needed across sectors.

The cleric commended the institute’s strong emphasis on experiential learning.

He said facilitators, including former African presidents on the Board of Trustees, offered insights drawn from practical governance and leadership experience.

According to him, the approach moves leadership training beyond theory to real-life case studies and tested principles.

Oyedepo pledged continued collaboration with the institute to advance its mission.

He also expressed willingness to share his leadership experiences to support the institute’s faculty and programmes.

He noted that his contributions would focus on values, nation-building and institutional excellence.

The bishop reiterated support for the institute’s focus on both emerging and current leaders.

He commended its integration of moral values, strategic thinking and practical competence in its curriculum.

Oyedepo pledged support through prayer, partnership and active participation.

In his remarks, former President Olusegun Obasanjo appreciated Oyedepo’s visit and endorsement of the institute’s vision.

Obasanjo said leadership deficit remained Africa’s central development challenge and an emerging global concern.

He said the institute was designed to address leadership gaps from the grassroots.

According to him, the institute targets secondary school prefects, student leaders and executives across sectors.

He cited a recent leadership training for student leaders at the University of Lagos as evidence of OOLI’s impact.

Obasanjo said the programme improved governance and representation among the students.

Prof. Adedeji Daramola, Deputy Director of the institute, highlighted plans to expand training nationwide.

Daramola, spoke on behalf of Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd), the Director of the institute.

He said OOLI would partner with the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library to train youths in Gombe State.

The director said the programme would engage students, young professionals and emerging leaders through intensive workshops.

He said the initiative aligned with OOLI’s mandate to broaden access to quality leadership education.

The director said the goal was to equip youths with integrity, competence and vision. (NAN)

•PHOTO, L-R: Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, PhD, Founder, Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute; Bishop David Oyedepo, Founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, and Chancellor of Covenant University; Prof. Samuel Daramola, Deputy Chief Executive, Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI)