President Bola Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he celebrates his 88th birthday, describing him as a statesman and extraordinary leader who has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development.
In a heartfelt tribute, President Tinubu acknowledged that providence has consistently placed Obasanjo at the forefront of Nigeria’s history during critical moments. He praised the retired general for his meritorious service to the nation, both in the military and as a civilian leader.
The tribute read, “Today, as former President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo turns 88, I pay a special tribute to an extraordinary leader and statesman who has made enormous contributions to Nigeria’s development and whose life for the past six decades is woven deeply into the fabric of Nigeria’s history. Providence has constantly thrust General Obasanjo to the forefront at critical junctures in Nigeria’s story.”
Tinubu highlighted Obasanjo’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s history, including his service as a colonel in the Nigerian Army. He noted that Obasanjo was the officer who received the instrument of surrender from Col. Philip Effiong, the Biafran Army Commander, marking the end of Nigeria’s 30-month civil war.
The tribute continued, “General Obasanjo also made history as the military leader who took over the reins of power following General Murtala Mohammed’s death in 1976. He completed the administration’s transition programme and successfully handed power to a civilian regime in 1979. Twenty years later, in 1999, he emerged as civilian president, freed from prison a year earlier, to herald the rebirth of another democratic dispensation, which recently clocked 25 years and still counting.”
President Tinubu commended Obasanjo for implementing critical policies and reforms during his tenure as both military and civilian leader, which profoundly impacted the lives of many Nigerians. He described Obasanjo as a leader who consistently demonstrated a selfless commitment to national unity, peace, and progress.
The tribute further stated, “During the two eras, General Obasanjo implemented critical policies and reforms and made important decisions that profoundly impacted the lives of many Nigerians. As the head of state, he consistently demonstrated a selfless commitment to national unity, peace, and progress.”
Tinubu also acknowledged Obasanjo’s influence both at home and abroad, noting his role as a global ambassador for peace and a troubleshooter. He praised Obasanjo’s tireless efforts in conflict resolution, advocacy for good governance, and dedication to Pan-Africanism through institutions like the African Union and the United Nations.
The tribute read, “Out of office, only a few will deny that the former president continues to wield considerable influence among the political elite at home and is well-regarded abroad, where he is an ambassador of global peace and a troubleshooter. His tireless efforts in conflict resolution, advocacy for good governance, and dedication to Pan-Africanism through institutions like the African Union and the United Nations are testaments to his statesmanship.”
While acknowledging that Obasanjo’s interventions in national affairs have sometimes been controversial, Tinubu emphasized that they have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership.
He said, “Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership. I thank General Obasanjo for his onerous contributions to Nigeria. I commend him for his statesmanship and leadership.”
President Tinubu concluded by praying for Obasanjo’s continued strength and wisdom, expressing hope that Nigeria and Africa would continue to benefit from his knowledge.
He stated, “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. On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I extend heartfelt congratulations to this great patriot. Happy 88th Birthday, President Obasanjo!”