Former president Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday said to be an effective leader, one must prepare for the future.

Obasanjo made the assertion at the inaugural lecture of the Olusegun Obasanjo Good Governance and Development Research Centre, with the theme; 'Leadership, Governance and the Challenges of Development in Nigeria' held in Abuja. 

He said people must have plans and ideas before seeking and taking leadership responsibilities.

Obasanjo said, “No person should go into government with ‘empty mind’ hoping to fill the mind up when he is already in power. He should be fired by ideals and only itching to run with it after gaining power.”

He said a programme of work with timeline must be available on the first day of work for a political leader.  

Obasanjo said the federal government had a strong commitment in dealing with the problems of corruption including the introduction of Treasury Single Account (TSA). 

“Lack of successful prosecution of high profile corruption cases involving some Politically Exposed Persons is giving serious cause for concern both for Nigerians and the international community", he said.

Daily Trust