Former President Umaru Yar'Adua's leadership style was praised at the third President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua International Leadership Award and Honour Night in Abuja on Friday. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN), urged current leaders to emulate Yar'Adua's transparency, integrity, and simple lifestyle. The event, organised by the Global Initiative for Leadership Success (GILS) under the theme "Recognising Excellence in Leadership," highlighted Yar'Adua's commitment to national unity and religious tolerance. Otaru described him as a born leader who lived an exemplary life, noting that his legacy continues to influence Nigerians. Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, said Yar'Adua was a dedicated servant-leader whose honesty and humility were rare among modern politicians. Ribadu compared Yar'Adua's brief tenure to that of Murtala Mohammed, who implemented major reforms including state creation and the relocation of Nigeria's capital from Lagos to Abuja within six months in office. He lamented that good leaders in Nigeria often do not remain in power long enough to complete their visions. Managing Consultant of Lonvenza Specialist and Wellness Centre, Dr Phil Okonkwo, said Yar'Adua demonstrated a rare balance between leadership theory and practice, choosing principle over political convenience. Okonkwo noted that Yar'Adua publicly declared his assets, upheld the rule of law, and prioritised dialogue to stabilise the Niger Delta. President of GILS, Mr Sunnie Chukumele, represented by retired Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Mamman, said the award ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate individuals and institutions that have positively shaped society through visionary leadership. Mamman stated that true leadership is measured by impact, not position, and that recognising integrity and service inspires future generations.
Yar'Adua's legacy is defined by restraint and transparency, yet no serving leader has fully replicated his model of governance. His public asset declaration and pursuit of dialogue contrast sharply with the conduct of many current officeholders. The celebration of his virtues highlights how far Nigeria has drifted from those standards. Honoring past leaders means little without active efforts to restore their principles in present institutions.
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