88th birthday: Nigeria will emerge better, stronger in my lifetime — Obasanjo

…Urges Nigerians not to forget past, calls for reflection       

 …Sometimes controversial, your interventions in national affairs have helped —  Tinubu hails Obasanjo

…Even opponents acknowledge commitment to Nigeria’s unity — Atiku

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on the occasion of his 88th birthday, expressed a strong belief that Nigeria will emerge better, stronger, and more enviable within his lifetime.

Despite the numerous challenges facing the country, Obasanjo remains an incurable optimist about Nigeria’s potential to attain its rightful place among the great nations of the world.

Speaking at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday, Obasanjo charged Nigerians, particularly the nation’s youth, to play an active role in shaping the future of the country.

“For me, I am an incurable optimist about Nigeria. Yes, the situation is bad, no doubt, but I believe that in my lifetime, we will have a Nigeria that we will all be proud of,” he stated.

Obasanjo, who is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s post-independence history, emphasized the role of citizens in the process of nation-building.

He called on Nigerians, especially those yet to attain the age of 80, to prepare for the responsibilities that come with contributing to the growth and stability of the country.

“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, and if we do it well, we will have an enviable Nigeria in our lifetime,” Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo’s birthday celebration was attended by an array of dignitaries, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; billionaire philanthropist Sir Kensington Adebutu; the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; former Governors Sule Lamido, Emeka Ihedioha, and Ibikunle Amosun; and former Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Peter Okebukola, among others.

One of the most important highlights of the celebration was the unveiling of two of Obasanjo’s new books: Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation and Nigeria: Past and the Future.

These books, authored by Obasanjo, were presented to the public in a formal ceremony. Obasanjo’s reflections on the past were complemented by a public lecture titled “Echoes of the Past, Vision of the Future: Reflection on Slavery and Colonization and Nigeria’s Journey Towards a Promising Future,” delivered by Professor Eghosa Osaghae, Director General of the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, Lagos.

During his speech, Obasanjo acknowledged the current difficulties Nigeria faces but insisted that the country would overcome these challenges.

He reiterated his confidence that Nigeria will become an enviable nation in the years ahead. “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,” he remarked.

Obasanjo also reflected on the powerful insights shared by Professor Osaghae during the lecture, particularly the call for decolonisation of the mind and the need for a new breed of leaders committed to good governance.

“The essence of the lecturer’s message is for all Nigerians to see where we have all gone wrong without any exception,” Obasanjo stated. He added that the country’s history of slavery and colonization must not be forgotten, as it continues to affect the nation today.

“I want to say one or two comments about the two books. Lest we forget, the lecturer brought up vividly why we should not forget slavery and the slave trade, whether it is Trans-Atlantic or Trans-Sahara; they had the same effects on us,” Obasanjo said.

While he was addressing the issue of the country’s past, Obasanjo further stated that failing to remember the horrors of slavery would be detrimental to the nation’s future.

He explained, “If we forget, not only will we continue to suffer from the effects of what he called not an episode, but an epoch, but not only that, we will be re-enslaved again in one form or the other.”

He urged Nigerians to recognize the country’s collective mistakes and work together to chart a better path forward, emphasising the importance of unity and self-reflection in achieving a prosperous future.

The birthday celebration, marked by dignitaries and a reflective atmosphere, encapsulated Obasanjo’s enduring belief in Nigeria’s potential, despite its current challenges.

President Bola Tinubu has hailed former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 88th birthday, acknowledging his “extraordinary leadership” and contributions to nation-building.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Tinubu described Obasanjo as a key figure in shaping Nigeria’s political and public policy landscape, despite being known for his sometimes controversial interventions.

Tinubu noted that Obasanjo’s regular involvement in national affairs had a significant impact, acting as a check on leadership and influencing public policies.

“Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership,” Tinubu said.

The president further expressed admiration for Obasanjo’s enduring influence, both within Nigeria and globally, emphasising his continued strength at the age of 88.

“At 88, the former president is still gaining strength. I pray that God Almighty will grant him more years so the nation and Africa can continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge,” Tinubu added.

Tinubu praised Obasanjo for his steadfast dedication to national unity, peace, and progress.

The president referred to Obasanjo as an “ambassador of global peace and a troubleshooter,” acknowledging his efforts in conflict resolution and advocacy for good governance, which have earned him respect across Africa and the world.

Recounting Obasanjo’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s history, Tinubu highlighted his leadership in ending the Nigerian Civil War and his role in transitioning Nigeria to civilian rule in 1979 following the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed.

“General Obasanjo implemented critical policies and reforms and made important decisions that profoundly impacted the lives of many Nigerians,” Tinubu stated.

Also, in a tribute, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed his enduring respect for the elder statesman, despite their political differences over the years.

Atiku, who served under Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, emphasised the mutual respect that continues to define their relationship, acknowledging the former president’s unparalleled commitment to Nigeria’s unity.

“Atiku, in his message, noted that Obasanjo’s contributions to the unity and cohesion of Nigeria were evident throughout his leadership, praising the former president’s consistent focus on a united Nigeria.

“Baba, even your opponents will concede that your commitment to the unity of Nigeria is bar none,” Atiku remarked.

Reflecting on his time in office alongside Obasanjo, Atiku expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to work with a leader whose policies aimed to ensure national inclusion and harmony.

“It was an honour to have served with you in advancing a pan-Nigerian agenda that ensured everyone irrespective of tribe, tongue, religion, or political affiliation had the opportunity to thrive for the greater good of our people and beloved country,” Atiku stated.