Former energy minister and leading Ghanaian statesman, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has joined distinguished African leaders and policy thinkers in Nigeria to celebrate the 89th birthday of former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, at an international leadership colloquium.
Dr Prempeh, whose growing contribution to public service continues to attract international recognition, was among personalities invited to participate in the International Colloquium on “The Burden and Blessing of Leadership,” organised to mark the milestone birthday of the revered African leader.
The event, held in Nigeria during the first week of March, brought together prominent leaders, scholars and governance experts from across the continent to reflect on leadership, governance and the future of Africa.
According to Dr Prempeh, the colloquium offered a rare opportunity to learn from the extensive public service experience of former President Obasanjo, whose leadership career spans more than six decades across military command, national governance and international diplomacy.
“Listening to reflections drawn from over sixty years of leadership, service and statesmanship was both instructive and inspiring,” Dr Prempeh noted.
As part of the engagements, the former Manhyia South Member of Parliament was given a private tour of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, a historic institution established to preserve the legacy and public service journey of the former Nigerian leader.
Dr Prempeh also had the privilege of a personal audience with the elder statesman, during which he presented him with a Kente cloth as a symbol of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring bond between Ghana and Nigeria.
The gesture, according to Dr Prempeh, was meant to honour Obasanjo’s immense contribution to Africa’s democratic development and statesmanship while celebrating the shared cultural identity of the continent.
The presentation of the traditional cloth underscored Dr Prempeh’s reputation as a culturally grounded leader who values African traditions and symbols of heritage in diplomacy and public life.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr Prempeh emphasised that leadership is a continuous journey of learning and mentorship.
“Moments like these remind us that leadership is a lifelong journey. No matter how far one travels in public service, there is always wisdom to gain from those who have walked the path before us,” he stated.
He added that the interaction with the Nigerian elder statesman has further strengthened his commitment to the ideals of servant leadership and dedicated service to the people.
Dr Prempeh’s participation in the event also highlights the strengthening ties between Ghana and Nigeria and the growing role of Ghanaian leaders in continental conversations on governance and leadership.
The former minister returned to Ghana, he said, encouraged by the experience and renewed in his commitment to advancing leadership that prioritises service, integrity and the collective progress of the African people.
