Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as an enduring study in leadership, public service, and national responsibility for younger generations.

Abiodun made the remark yesterday, during the 89th birthday lecture in honour of the elder statesman, themed “The Global Africa Enlightenment: From Chains to Renaissance,” held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

According to the governor, national development depends on strong institutions and leaders who are willing to think beyond immediate interests.

Abiodun stressed that the future of Africa lies in strengthening institutions, investing in knowledge, and building societies that uphold justice, innovation, and unity.

The Haitian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of South Africa, Jean Robert Pillard, who delivered the lecture titled “The Global Africa Enlightenment: From Chains to Renaissance,” said history binds people together while culture reminds humanity of its shared identity.

Also speaking at the event, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, described the celebrant as a role model for many Nigerians and Africans.

In the same vein, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Tunde Lemo, in a tribute to commemorate the milestone, described Obasanjo as a distinguished statesman whose life and service continue to shape Nigeria’s democratic development and Africa’s global diplomatic standing.

Similarly, former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, in a glowing tribute to Obasanjo, described him as a courageous leader, defender of justice and a guiding voice for Africa and the world.

In a birthday message celebrating the elder statesman yesterday, Adesina praised Obasanjo as a leader whose influence transcends generations and national borders, noting that his credibility and moral authority remain widely respected.

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described Obasanjo as a “living legend, patriot, elder stateman, and global citizen with tremendous records of global peace advocacy.”

Also, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, described the former President as a statesman of remarkable courage, discipline and enduring commitment to the unity, stability and progress of Nigeria.
FORMER Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, described Obasanjo as one of Nigeria’s most consequential statesmen whose service to the nation will never be forgotten.

In a statement yesterday, Fayemi paid tribute to Obasanjo’s decades of dedication to Nigeria’s unity and advancement of democracy in Africa.

According to him, Obasanjo’s leadership at critical moments in Nigeria’s history, including his stewardship of the country as Head of State and later as a democratically elected President, helped to shape the nation’s political and institutional trajectory.