The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has advocated for Nigerian leaders to study and adopt the leadership qualities exemplified by former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua.
This call was made during the inaugural President Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Leadership Conference and Awards held in Abuja on Monday.
Olukoyede, speaking through the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, CE Wilson Uwujaren, highlighted Yar’adua’s integrity and transparency as fundamental traits of a good leader.
He emphasised the importance of upholding these values for national development.
The conference, themed “Moral and Ethical Leadership; Antidote to National Development,” aimed to address issues surrounding integrity and transparency in leadership. Olukoyede lamented the lack of adequate enforcement of existing laws, which he attributed to the low integrity levels among many Nigerians.
Former Nigerian President Gen. Yakubu Gowon also commended Yar’adua for his patriotism and dedication to the welfare of Nigerians. He recalled Yar’adua’s passion for addressing societal challenges, citing his efforts during Gowon’s visit to Katsina State to combat the guinea worm infestation.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State expressed gratitude to the organisers for commemorating Yar’adua’s legacy. He urged Nigerian leaders to remain committed to fulfilling their mandates for the advancement of the nation, emphasising the importance of perseverance in overcoming challenges.
The event served as a platform to celebrate Yar’adua’s leadership legacy and to inspire current and future leaders to uphold moral and ethical standards in governance.