ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on African countries to deliberately encourage younger individuals to take up leadership roles, arguing that governance today demands physical strength, mental alertness and stamina that are more common among people under 50.
Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference organised to mark 50 years since the assassination of former Head of State, Murtala Ramat Muhammed.
Speaking candidly about his experience in office, Jonathan said the pressures of leading a nation are enormous. According to him, during his presidency, he survived on only a few hours of sleep most days because of the weight of responsibilities.
He questioned the long-held belief in some quarters that advanced age is a prerequisite for leadership.
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“Why should anyone think you have to be a hundred years old before you can govern effectively?” he asked, stressing that people between the ages of 25 and 50 are generally more energetic and better equipped to cope with the demands of public office.
The former president aligned his position with the ideals of the “Not Too Young To Run” movement, which pushed for reduced age limits for elective offices in Nigeria to open the political space to younger citizens.
Jonathan maintained that if African nations truly want vibrant and forward-looking leadership, they must look within the 25-50 age bracket.
At that stage of life, he said, leaders are more likely to possess the physical strength and mental sharpness required for the job.
He also expressed concern over what he described as excessive official travels by some public office holders, suggesting that leaders should devote more time to managing affairs at home rather than spending prolonged periods abroad.
Reflecting on history, Jonathan pointed to Muhammed, who became Nigeria’s Head of State at just 38. Though his tenure lasted only 200 days, Jonathan said his impact was far-reaching and demonstrated that effective leadership is about decisiveness and commitment to national interest.
He also mentioned Yakubu Gowon, who assumed leadership at 32 and later established the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing him as another example of youthful leadership at a defining moment in the country’s history.
However, Jonathan cautioned that age alone does not guarantee success in office. He stressed that qualities such as discipline, patriotism and respect for strong institutions are equally important.
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According to him, democracy thrives on institutions rather than individuals. It requires persuasion, adherence to the rule of law and a clear vision, not rule by decree.
He urged young people to see leadership as a call to service, not an entitlement, and encouraged African leaders to treat governance as stewardship.
“As we reflect on the legacy of General Murtala Muhammed 50 years on, we must remember that leadership is not measured by how long one stays in office, but by the courage to act and the difference made,” Jonathan said.
The event attracted political figures, scholars and other stakeholders who gathered to examine issues of leadership, governance and Africa’s development path.