The Nigerian Leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tireless efforts in conflict resolution and dedication to Pan-Africanism through institutions such as the African Union and the United Nations.
He made this known in a personally signed tribute released to Voice of Nigeria on Wednesday, March 5, 2025
President Tinubu extolled the virtues of ex-President Obasanjo on his 88th birthday, commending him for his statesmanship and leadership.
The President acknowledged Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs saying they have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership even when his conciliations could ‘sometimes be controversial’.
“Today, as former President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo turns 88, I pay a special tribute to an extraordinary leader and statesman who has made enormous contributions to Nigeria’s development and whose life for the past six decades is woven deeply into the fabric of Nigeria’s history.”
Appreciating Obasanjo, President Tinubu thanked the former leader for his onerous contributions to Nigeria and his advocacy for good governance adding that his commitments to the development of the continental union and the international organisations are testaments to his statesmanship.
“Out of office, only a few will deny that the former president continues to wield considerable influence among the political elite at home and his well-regarded abroad, where he is an ambassador of global peace and a troubleshooter. His tireless efforts in conflict resolution, advocacy for good governance, and dedication to Pan-Africanism through institutions like the African Union and the United Nations are testaments to his statesmanship.
Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership.
I thank General Obasanjo for his onerous contributions to Nigeria. I commend him for his statesmanship and leadership.”
Obasanjo’s Service To Nigeria
Extolling Chief Obasanjo’s service to Nigeria, President Tinubu recalled the celebrant as a General who made history as the military leader who prioritised democracy on completion of General Murtala Mohammed’s regime in 1979.
The Nigerian Leader recounted Chief Obasanjo as a president who heralded the rebirth of Nigeria’s democratic dispensation 20years, after a long military rule.
President Tinubu highlighted the two eras of General Obasanjo as epoch of critical policies and reforms that intensely impacted the lives of many Nigerians
“During the two eras, General Obasanjo implemented critical policies and reforms and made important decisions that profoundly impacted the lives of many Nigerians. As the head of state, he consistently demonstrated a selfless commitment to national unity, peace, and progress.
“Providence has constantly thrust General Obasanjo to the forefront at critical junctures in Nigeria’s story.
“He served the country meritoriously in the Nigerian Army. As a Colonel, fate beckoned on him while commanding the Third Marine Division to receive the instrument of surrender from Col. Philip Effiong, the Biafran Army Commander, signalling the end of Nigeria’s 30-month civil war.
“General Obasanjo also made history as the military leader who took over the reins of power following General Murtala Mohammed’s death in 1976. He completed the administration’s transition programme and successfully handed power to a civilian regime in 1979.”
“Twenty years later, in 1999, he emerged as civilian president, freed from prison a year earlier, to herald the rebirth of another democratic dispensation, which recently clocked 25 years and still counting.”
President Tinubu prays Almighty God to grant Chief Obasanjo at 88 more grace and strength to live for more years for Nigeria and Africa to continue to benefit from wisdom and knowledge.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I extend heartfelt congratulations to this great patriot. Happy 88th Birthday, President Obasanjo!”
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