Former President Olusegun Obasanjo told student leaders that lasting nation building depends on combining economic, social and political progress with strong moral values and a sense of duty to others.
He made the remarks in Abeokuta at the first Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Training Programme for Secondary School Prefects, an event run by the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI).
Speaking to more than 1,000 senior prefects from schools across Ogun State, Obasanjo said public spirit is essential to national growth. He explained that development in any country must move together with ethical behaviour and community-minded action.
On the value of the prefect system, he said it offers hands on leadership training that eases teachers’ duties, encourages order, and teaches students about power and responsibility. He defined the role clearly: “A prefect is a senior pupil authorised and vested with authority by school management to enforce discipline among fellow students.”
He added that the position helps young people learn useful skills: “The role equips them with skills such as teamwork, communication, initiative, problem‑solving and integrity,” Obasanjo said.
The former president urged the prefects to set a good example in conduct, competence, politeness, honesty, cooperation and reliability.
Ogun State’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, welcomed the programme and said it fits the state’s drive to improve education. He reminded the students that real leadership is shown through service, character and positive influence, and asked them to return to their schools as ambassadors of discipline, unity and excellence.
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