Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as an advocate for peace, security, and development.
Governor Abiodun also stated that the former president’s legacies extend beyond Nigeria and Africa.
The governor made this statement during an event organized to celebrate Obasanjo’s 88th birthday, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Prince Abiodun noted that President Obasanjo’s contributions to the enthronement of democracy in the country remain a landmark achievement, made possible by his commitment to democracy and national unity. He described the celebrant as an architect of modern Nigeria.
He also acknowledged Chief Obasanjo’s exemplary leadership in the vineyard of God, describing him as a pragmatic community leader.
Governor Abiodun added that his administration would continue to be inspired by the achievements and legacies of the former president.
“History will continue to be kind to you because the story of Nigeria and your story are closely and intimately intertwined, and the name Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo will remain indelibly entrenched in the minds of many generations to come.
“Beyond your successful career in the military, you’ve continued to demonstrate that you are a true patriot, a leader irrevocably devoted to the advancement of Nigeria.
“Your role, particularly in being instrumental to the first civilian-to-civilian transition, remains a landmark achievement—one that underscores commitment to democracy, governance, and national unity.
“Your resilience, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to showcase you as a statesman, an advocate for peace, security, and development. Your legacy, without a doubt, extends beyond Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
In their separate congratulatory messages delivered online, former President Goodluck Jonathan and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, eulogized Obasanjo as an apostle of peace and stability in Nigeria and the diaspora, highlighting his visionary and outstanding leadership as worthy of emulation.
In his remarks, Chief Obasanjo expressed gratitude to Almighty God, describing the two books presented at the ceremony—Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation, and Reparation and Nigeria: Past and the Future, which he authored—as timely.
He noted that for Nigeria to truly break away from slavery and colonialism and attain the desired enviable position in the comity of nations, all hands must be on deck to achieve the goal.
Dignitaries such as Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, and former governors Peter Obi, Emeka Ihedioha, Sam Egwu, Ibikunle Amosun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Sule Lamido all graced the event.
