• President, governors, others felicitate ex-President at 88
• Former President envisions enviable Nigeria in his lifetime
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as an “extraordinary leader and statesman” whose contributions to Nigeria’s development remain profound.
In a birthday tribute he penned to celebrate Obasanjo’s 88th birthday, President Tinubu highlighted the former leader’s pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s history over the past six decades.
“Providence has constantly thrust General Obasanjo to the forefront at critical junctures in Nigeria’s story. He served the country meritoriously in the Nigerian Army and played a historic role in ending the Nigerian Civil War when he received the instrument of surrender from the Biafran Army Commander, Col. Philip Effiong,” he said.
Recalling Obasanjo’s leadership across military and civilian administrations, President Tinubu acknowledged his role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
“During the two eras, General Obasanjo implemented critical policies and reforms and made important decisions that profoundly impacted the lives of many Nigerians,” the President said.
President Tinubu also acknowledged Obasanjo’s continued influence in national and international affairs, describing him as “an ambassador of global peace and a troubleshooter” whose efforts in conflict resolution and advocacy for good governance remain invaluable.
“Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership,” President Tinubu added.
The President extended his best wishes to the celebrant, lauding Obasanjo’s unwavering commitment to national unity and Pan-Africanism.
“At 88, the former President is still gaining strength. I pray that God Almighty will grant him the grace and strength to live for more years so the nation and Africa can continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge,” President Tinubu said.
During his birthday celebration at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the former President expressed confidence that Nigeria would attain an enviable position in the comity of nations in his lifetime.
Obasanjo described himself as an incurable optimist about the country attaining her full greatness in his time, given the country’s enormous human and material endowments.
The elder statesman advised citizens below 80 to brace up for nation-building, adding: “If we do it well, we will have an enviable Nigeria in our lifetime.”
He acknowledged the encomiums dignitaries from all walks of life poured on him during his special day.
Dignitaries at the event included Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele; billionaire businessman, Sir Kensington Adebutu; the Alake and paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola; former Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), ex-Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Peter Okebukola, captains of industries and some expatriates.
The highpoint of the birthday celebration was the unveiling of Obasanjo’s two books: Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation and Nigeria: Past and the Future, which he authored.
The birthday lecture, titled: Echoes of The Past, Vision of The Future: Reflection On Slavery And Colonisation And Nigeria’s Journey Towards A Promising Future, was delivered by the Director General of the Nigeria Institute for International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae.
The lecture reflected on where Nigeria is as a country and where it should be after colonisation.
Obasanjo noted that despite the current challenges, Nigeria would become a better and stronger country that all the citizens would be proud of.
He said: “For me, I am an incurable optimistic about Nigeria. Yes, the situation is bad, no doubt. But I believe that in my lifetime, we will have the Nigeria that we will all be proud of.
“I want to thank all those who have given the goodwill messages; I appreciate you all. May all of you who have reached the age of 80 attain 90 and 100. And I will celebrate 90 and 100 with all of you.
“Those of you who have not attained the age of 80 and have not been called octogenarians yet, you will, by the Grace of God attain 80. But let us bear in mind that as Nigerians, there is an obligation for us. If we do it well, we will have an enviable Nigeria in our lifetime.”
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who spoke through his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said:
“History will continue to be kind to you because the story of Nigeria and your story is closely and intimately intertwined, and the name Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo will remain indelibly entrenched in the minds of so many generations to come.
“Beyond your successful career in the military, you’ve continued to demonstrate that you are a true patriot, a leader who is irrevocably devoted to the advancement of Nigeria.
“Your role, particularly in being instrumental to the first civilian-to-civilian transition, remains a landmark achievement; one that underscores the commitment to democracy, governance, and national unity.”
Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) and Peter Mbah (Enugu), as well as businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, among others, yesterday eulogised Obasanjo.
Governor Mutfwang described the birthday celebrant as a reservoir of knowledge, a statesman of immense wisdom, and a mentor to numerous Nigerians in the military and in the democratic space.
In his message, Governor Mbah said: “Chief Obasanjo is an international icon, elder statesman, consummate leader, and quintessential global citizen who, by dint of tenacity, hard work, and fate, has played important roles in Nigeria’s political development and in shaping African and global affairs.”
Olawepo-Hashim described the ex-president as a “towering figure in Nigeria’s history” and a global statesman whose impact transcends generations.
He added: “Baba, your life is a testament to service, resilience, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria, Africa, and global peace and understanding.
“From your days as a young officer in the Nigerian Army to your role in the civil war, your leadership as Head of State, and your transformational tenure as a democratically elected President, you have remained a towering figure in our national history.”
