Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, expressed optimism that Nigeria will be great in his lifetime, urging Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, and political affiliations, to be patriotic in building Nigeria to an enviable status in the comity of nations.
The former President made this call in his remarks at his 88th birthday celebration, held at the Marque Hallelujah of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
Two books authored by the former President titled ‘Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation’ and ‘Nigeria: Past and Future’ were unveiled at the event.
Notable personalities present included Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State; Ogun Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido; former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara; the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and his running mate, Yusuf Datti-Ahmed, alongside traditional rulers and captains of industry.
The former President expressed optimism that Nigeria will attain an enviable status during his lifetime, regardless of the current challenges.
He said, “I am an incurable optimist about Nigeria. Yes, the situation is bad, no doubt, but I believe in my lifetime, we will have the Nigeria that we will all be proud of.”
Obasanjo emphasized that African countries cannot achieve their full potential or take their rightful position in world affairs while operating under the shadow of colonialism. He stressed that the continent must free itself from every element of colonialism and slavery to achieve greatness.
Speaking about his new books, Obasanjo said, “Part of our problems in Africa is what I may call residues of slave trade, slavery, and colonialism, and until we can break ourselves completely away from it, we may not be able to make progress as we should do. We have to shrug off residues of colonialism and slavery, we have to do this so as not to be re-enslaved again after more than two centuries that we suffered the first one.”
The former President reiterated his unwavering optimism about Nigeria’s future, stating that the country can overcome its challenges if its leadership demonstrates selflessness and commitment to building a strong nation.
Obasanjo, while thanking attendees, urged them not to believe claims that he is older than 88.
He said, “Don’t believe anyone saying I am older than 88, that I am 90. My mother said that I was born on Ifo Market day, and I am Aremu. Kabiyesi, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, was born on Itoku Market day, and he is Aremu, and nobody will change that. So, every Itoku Market day is Oba Gbadebo’s birthday, while every Ifo Market day is my birthday. We’ll leave it at that.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu felicitated with Obasanjo on his 88th birthday, describing him as a statesman and extraordinary leader who has made enormous contributions to Nigeria’s development.
In his tribute, Tinubu said, “As former President Olusegun 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.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Obasanjo as a rare gem and a gift to Nigeria.
In his birthday message, Atiku said: “Baba, even your opponents will concede that your commitment to the unity of Nigeria is bar none. You have, ever since you happened on our country’s leadership landscape, pursued deliberate policies of inclusiveness and promotion of a one Nigeria agenda.”
Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, described Obasanjo as a leader of all seasons.
In a goodwill message, Mark said: “Obasanjo is a true statesman and leader who has over the years made selfless contributions to the peace, unity, and development of the country. As he celebrates his 88th birthday anniversary, I extend very warm felicitations to him on behalf of my family.”
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described Obasanjo as a global icon and pan-Africanist whose contributions across the continent remain invaluable.
Abiodun said the state is proud to have produced such a rare and selfless leader, praying for God to preserve the former President to celebrate many more years.
