Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as a strong figure in national history, adding that his life has been defined by service, courage and unrelenting commitment to the progress of Nigeria and the continent of Africa.
The Governor made this known in his address at the 88th Birthday Celebration of Chief Obasanjo, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library auditorium, saying as a Soldier, Head of State and democratically elected President, he had shaped the political and economy trajectory of Nigeria with remarkable vision and leadership.
Gov. Abiodun represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, noted that even in retirement, Baba Obasanjo has remained one of the most influential voices in Africa, lending his words of wisdom to matters on governance, diplomacy and development.
“Beyond Nigeria, Baba is a true Pan Africanist. His work in promoting peace across the continent is really strengthening regional cooperation and his deep engagement in global affairs, demonstrate his belief that Africa must take charge of his destiny.
Governor Abiodun remarked that at 88 Chief Obasanjo continues to be a leader of thought, a man whose words carried weights and whose actions inspired generations, adding that, his voice remained critical in shaping policies and discussions that have defined our future. He appreciated him for his continued contributions to the nation building.
Meanwhile two books were launched, one was edited by the celebrant and the other one was written by him, the Governor said both books reflected on his wealth of experience as well as speaks to his concern about the well-being of the continent and his attainable hope for the country’s future, praying that God would grant him long life and good health.
In his virtual remarks, President, African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, said the celebrant’s word of wisdom and Pacifism had continued to make him stand out, describing him as a leader of leaders, role model and not just a justice of peace but a preacher of peace and that his name Olusegun has made him victorious over all circumstances, adding that under his reign as the President of Nigeria, the country witnessed a remarkable development, saying without him, he would not have become a Minister.
The Guest Speaker, the Director General, Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, spoke on the topic, ‘Echoes of the past , visions of the future: Reflections on slavery and colonisation and Nigeria’s journey towards a promising future’, said to be free from slavery and colonisation, our leaders need to forget the past way of doing things and reflect on the vision of the future, Nigerians need a total reorientation of mindset, while youths mindset should be decolonised because the way we dress, foods we eat, how we speak and our medical treatments still reflects slavery and colonisation.
Contributing, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, described President Obasanjo as a true Nigerian, accommodating, peacemaker and one who loves his country, commonwealth and the whole world, saying Nigeria and Africa were not the only countries that were colonised and until we get it right, things would continue to remain the same because Nigerians have been brain washed, but with good governance and good leadership, we would get there.
In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu, HRM Oba Saka Matemilola, said one of the horrible things about colonialism was the mindset of the coloniser, noting that most Nigerians have colonised their minds, with foreign foods, religion and culture, saying most parents have turned the local dialects to vernacular imposing speaking of foreign language and also replacing our local meals with burger among others.
The Vice Chancellor, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran congratulated Chief Obasanjo on his 88th birthday celebration, saying most mindset should be decolonised and be opened to historical facts, stressing the need to teach Yoruba language and resuscitate the study of history in schools.
In his remarks, the celebrant, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, appreciated everyone for coming to felicitate him on his birthday, saying until we break ourselves completely from slavery and colonisation, we would not be able to make meaningful progress, noting that as Nigerians we all have duties and obligations to perform if we desire a prosperous nation. He said he would continue to be an advocate of peace as well as strive for economic development of Nigeria and African Continent.
