Envoy, ex-CDS hail Obasanjo for championing African unity, regional cooperation The Haitian Ambassador to South Africa, Jean Robert Pillard, has hailed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s enduring legacy in championing the unity of African states. He highlighted Obasanjo’s pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation, strengthening continental institutions, and advancing the vision of a united Africa through diplomacy, leadership, and strategic engagement. This was just as erstwhile Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Martin Luther Agwai(retd) described Obasanjo as one of the greatest leaders of this generation, whose impact and contributions to human development remain unparalleled. Agwai, the Director of OOLI emphasised that Obasanjo embodies the rare blend of vision, courage, discipline, empathy, strategic intelligence, and moral clarity that defines transformational leadership. They spoke during the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute’s (OOLI) Founder’s Day and 89th birthday celebration of Obasanjo. While paying tribute to the former president, they described him as a prominent voice on regional integration, peacebuilding, and governance reform, championing initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area as vehicles for continental renewal. Prof. Adedeji Daramola, Deputy Chief Executive of OOLI stated that the former president’s ability to unite diverse communities, inspire collective purpose, and navigate complex national and global challenges sets him apart as a statesman of extraordinary depth. He added that OOLI itself stands as a living testament to Chief Obasanjo’s values, integrity, excellence, accountability, resilience, and service to humanity, and continues to transmit these qualities to emerging leaders across Africa and beyond. Obasanjo on his part, stressed that Africa’s future depends on leaders who understand the burden and blessing of leadership – leaders who are prepared to make difficult decisions, strengthen institutions, and place the public good above personal gain. He is scheduled to address the new cohort of participants in the Executive Programme on 28 March 2026 at the institute. This distinguished group of participants has been selected from diverse professional backgrounds across Africa, Europe, and other continents.