Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was Nigeria’s head of state from 1976 to 1979 and then president from 1999 to 2007, turned 85 today, to the delight of eminent Nigerians who wished him good health and a long life.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar congratulated his former boss while praying to God to continue to bless “this giant of Africa” with good health and for his good governance legacies to be carried on in many parts of Africa.
“The celebration of Obasanjo is parallel to celebrating vision of good leadership and pan-Africanism,” Atiku, who served as Vice President during Obasanjo’s presidency, said in a statement he personally signed.
“The vision that Obasanjo brought to governance, whether as a military leader or as a democratically elected president, continues to set the pace for progressive ideals in governments across Africa,” Atiku concludes.
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“During the late 1970s, when almost all of Africa was ruled by military dictatorships, Obasanjo set the tone for a transfer of power to civilian government in Nigeria, and that single effort kicked off the continent’s democratization process.”
Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the former Senate President, described Obasanjo as a man who, at 85 years old, is still the pride of Nigeria and Africa.
Saraki said in a goodwill message to mark the birthday of his former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he served as Special Assistant (Budget Matters) under from 2000 to 2002, that Obasanjo laid the solid foundation for the country’s democracy’s survival.
In the same vein, he noted that the former President continues to play an important role in achieving peace, unity, and development on the continent, as he continues to serve in various capacities to maintain stability across the continent.
“Baba, you have continued to bring honor to our country, Nigeria, and its more than 200 million citizens,” Saraki said.
For decades, you have been the pride of our dear country and its flagbearer in the fight for peace, not just in Africa but around the world.”
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Obasanjo as a “quintessential leader” not only in Nigeria but around the world in his message.
“At 85, the retired military general and elder statesman is worth celebrating,” he said, “having served Nigeria in many capacities, particularly for unity, peaceful coexistence, and Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and development.”
Sanwo-Olu said in a statement issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, that Obasanjo was one of the few Nigerian leaders who had made significant contributions to the country’s growth and development as a military and civilian leader, and who had left the country with impeccable records.
Obasanjo, he said, is a “leader to be reckoned with” at the global level because of his passionate involvement in African affairs and other global issues.
“As a military officer and political leader, Obasanjo has made a lot of positive impacts in the country, fighting alongside several other patriots for a united Nigeria during his days in the Nigerian Army,” Sanwo-Olu said.
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As the first Nigerian to serve as Head of State and later Civilian President, he has etched his name in gold. He also led the country’s administration with a focus on improving citizens’ lives and the economy.”
Olusegun was also congratulated by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. Abiodun praised the former president in a brief statement posted on his Instagram page, calling him a “living legend.”
He also wished for the former president to age gracefully and remain in good health.
“Not many can boast of your profile – civil war hero, federal commissioner, former chief of staff, supreme headquarters, two-term president of Nigeria, retired military general, peacemaker, farmer, family man, politician, author, traditional titles’ holder, global statesman, and with an earned Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) obtained at age 80,” according to a message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin in Abeokuta yesterday.
“As a living legend and symbol of Ogun Standard of Excellence, you continue to inspire us.” Even though you are 85 years old, you still spend every moment not only for yourself, but also for future generations and humanity. Even at your advanced age, you continue to make sacrifices for Africa’s and the world’s security, stability, development, and cooperation. In the sands of time, your footprints will be indelible. Our wish for you is that you continue to trudge through life in good health, and that each stage of your life is more exciting than the last.”
Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, the governor of Niger State, described Obasanjo as a “exceptional and patriotic leader” who dedicated “the best of his life to working for Nigeria’s unity and stability.”
According to Bello, the former president worked tirelessly to bring peace to the African continent.
The governor said Obasanjo had also become “a living legend and a strong voice within and outside the shores of the country, considering the outstanding and commendable sacrifices he made for Nigeria and many African countries” in a message to mark the elder statesman’s 85th birthday.
“Chief Obasanjo is a rare leader who has served the country as both a military head of state and a democratically elected president, and he has done so admirably.”
“On the African continent, his democratic fingerprints are indelible.” “He is a symbol of democracy who belongs in the hall of fame of Africa’s greatest leaders,” Bello said.
On behalf of the government and people of Niger State, the governor joined millions of well-wishers from within and outside Nigeria in wishing the former President more strength, good health, and wisdom.
Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, a former Senate President, described Obasanjo as a world statesman and citizen.
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Anyim, a frontline presidential aspirant for next year’s election, said Obasanjo had demonstrated unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity, peace, and progress in a birthday message to the former President, who turned 85 today.
The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and ardent supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also recalled that OBJ, as the former President is affectionately known, played pivotal roles in Nigerian and African politics at various times.
“Baba!” read the congratulatory message, which Anyim personally signed. You are a true global citizen, an outstanding African leader, and the preeminent statesman of our country. You have shown unwavering dedication to the unity, peace, and progress of our beloved country, Africa, and the entire world.
“As a true patriot, you stand out.” You have continued to give your all to ensure that Nigeria takes her rightful place among the nations as a well-endowed nation.
“At various points in Nigeria’s and Africa’s political history, you have played pivotal roles.” You provided visionary and principled leadership throughout those stages, guided by a deep love and commitment to the well-being of Nigerians and the black man.
“As Nigeria navigates the many challenges of nation-building, you have remained a voice of reason, cautioning and offering solutions. You’ve written letters, books, and given lectures at home and abroad to share your thoughts and ideas about how to make Nigeria work. As a result, your stature on the international stage soars.
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“Baba, I want to assure you that Nigerians value you and your valuable contributions to the country’s peace, unity, progress, and development.”
“God has bestowed upon you good health, strength, and mental acuity. May He continue to bless you as you continue to serve our dear country, Africa, and the rest of the world.”
