A former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has advised the nation’s leaders against selfishness in the interest of the country’s growth and progress.

He said they should let the interest of the governed be paramount to them.

He gave this advice on Friday at his Presidential Hilltop residence, Abeokuta, when the leadership and members of the Scout Association of Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit and decorated him as Messenger of Peace Ambassador for Africa.

The former President who recalled when he was decorated as Queen’s Scout years ago, emphasised that for any leader to succeed, such a leader must always be prepared to face challenges, especially the unexpected ones.


 
He said, “We need a scout spirit in our country not just for individual benefit alone but for services to the nation. Work collectively and provide the leadership that will make us get progress.”

Obasanjo called on Nigerians to work collectively with their leaders, arguing that this would ensure meaningful progress in all spheres.

Obasanjo said, “I will not only live up to expectations but also inspire others. Be prepared in all ramifications, if you are adequately prepared mentally, spiritually, educationally, religiously and culturally, there will be no situation in life you cannot be able to face.

“As you move ahead in life, you will meet unexpected things, so prepare for all eventualities.”

He assured the group that he would help to inform President Muhammadu Buhari to fix the date for his own decoration as the Grand Patron of the association, which would be automatic in line with the association’s constitution.

The Chief Commissioner, Scout Association of Nigeria, Olusoga Sofola-Atibioke, said the investiture of Obasanjo as its ambassador was to help build a peaceful and formidable Africa with special focus on Nigeria.

Sofola-Atibioke, who was accompanied by other national officers of the association, said a foundation had been formed to raise funds to finance various programmes set aside for youth development in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes that “will enable them to be responsible leaders of the future.”