By EricJames Ochigbo

A former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has called for a transformative, value-driven leadership that prioritises national interest over personal gains in order to put Nigeria in its rightful place in the comity of nations.

Jega made the call at the presentation of a book entitled: “Transformative Leadership in Practice,” by the Director-General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book presentation was to mark Sulaiman’s 60th birthday celebration.

The former INEC chairman warned that Nigeria’s development and democratic stability would remain elusive until transformative leadership was achieved.

“This book provides empirical evidence that transformative leadership is not theoretical; it works.

“Suleiman’s work at NILDS shows that when vision meets courage, even a public institution can evolve into a centre of excellence.

“We cannot continue to lament the weakness of our institutions while rewarding mediocrity and political patronage; leadership must be guided by service, not self-interest,” he said.

Speaking at the occasion, Vice-President Kashim Shettima said Suleiman’s legacy lay in his commitment to nurturing future leaders and embedding institutional resilience.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation, Mr Johnson Adekunle, Shettima said that Sulaiman’s brand of leadership showed how mentorship and vision could strengthen governance and national development.

In his remarks, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the NILDS director-general as an institution builder.

Jonathan, who was represented by a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Muhammed Adoke, said Sulaiman’s leadership at the National Planning Commission brought professionalism and structure to national policy coordination.

“Although his appointment came towards the end of our administration, Suleiman’s impact was immediate.

“He brought reforms, efficiency and accountability, values that our public institutions urgently need today,” he said.

A former Senate President, Sen. Ahmad Lawan, described Sulaiman as a reformer who turned ideas into action.

He said that his tenure had redefined the institute as a hub of knowledge, professionalism and innovation.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said that Nigeria’s crisis was not of intellect but integrity.

While commending Suleiman for demonstrating high integrity, the royal father noted that moral leadership was still possible in public life.

“He is a man of simplicity, empathy and discipline, a professor in leadership as much as in politics.

“Nigeria’s renewal depends on leaders who embody those values,” he said.

Responding, Sulaiman said that he was overwhelmed by the outpour of goodwill and good wishes, as he marked his 60th birthday.

He said that the kind words would spur him into doing more in serving the country and humanity in the years ahead. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq