Former President Olusegun Obasanjo received birthday congratulations and well wishes from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which described him as a strong supporter of democracy.
In a statement praising Obasanjo’s contributions to Nigeria, PDP National Chairman Kabiru Turaki, SAN, called the former president a remarkable leader and a statesman of historic significance who made sure Nigerian democracy endured.
The party recalled Obasanjo’s crucial contribution to stabilizing the republic and solidifying democracy at a significant juncture in Nigerian history.
Obasanjo created a model for democratic transition, according to PDP, which described him as the first Military Head of State to peacefully surrender power to a democratically elected administration.
Obasanjo was the first President of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, according to the PDP, which also commemorated his term and noted his contributions to the nation’s advancement.
The party praised Obasanjo’s dedication to democracy and his initiatives to fortify Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
on recognition of Obasanjo’s lasting influence on Nigerian politics, the PDP wished him a happy birthday and healthy health.
The statement acknowledged Obasanjo’s influence on Nigeria’s democratic path and expressed the PDP’s gratitude for his service to the country.
“We celebrate a great believer in democracy and a statesman of historic significance—the first Military Head of State to voluntarily hand over power to a democratically elected administration,” the statement says.
“As our party’s first presidential candidate and the first President of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, you were instrumental in establishing our republic and solidifying democracy at a vital point in our country’s history.
The message added, “On this special occasion, we celebrate your service to the nation and wish you continued good health and a very happy birthday.”
As he celebrates his 89th birthday, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has called former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo an everlasting study in leadership, public service, and national duty for younger generations.
The statement was delivered by Governor Abiodun on Thursday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta during the 89th birthday lecture honoring the elder statesman, which had as its theme “The Global Africa Enlightenment: From Chains to Renaissance.”
The governor claims that strong institutions and leaders who are prepared to see beyond short-term gains are essential to the success of the country.
He pointed out that the lecture’s theme captures Africa’s historical path, from colonial dominance to the continent’s continuous quest for advancement, growth, and dignity.
Abiodun emphasized that establishing societies that support justice, innovation, and unity, investing in knowledge, and fortifying institutions are the keys to Africa’s future.
He remembered that Obasanjo’s administration established the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), which provided a solid basis for fiscal restraint, economic restructuring, and public sector reforms.
The governor added that a number of important reforms were implemented to reposition the Nigerian economy during Obasanjo’s presidency from 1999 to 2007. These included the 2003 banking sector reforms, the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and revolutionary changes in the telecom sector.
“Baba, your impact has spread beyond Nigeria to Africa and the larger international community, especially in the fields of diplomacy and conflict resolution.
You have acted as a peace envoy and mediator in a number of regional wars over the years, including those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Liberia.
“You have continuously advocated for discussion as a means of achieving peace and stability through the African Union, the United Nations, and numerous international efforts.
“Young Africans should study leaders like Baba, not just to honor their accomplishments but also to comprehend the values that inform their choices. They need to understand how leadership can change the course of a country and even a continent when it is motivated by service and purpose, he continued.
Governor Abiodun added that Obasanjo was instrumental in assisting liberation movements throughout the continent in his capacity as military head of state.
He remembered that Obasanjo’s belief that the independence of one African nation is strongly linked to the freedom of all prompted Nigeria to stand resolutely against colonial domination and apartheid.
The Haitian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of South Africa, Jean Robert Pillard, gave a presentation titled “The Global Africa Enlightenment: From Chains to Renaissance,” in which he stated that culture serves as a reminder of humanity’s common identity while history unites individuals.
According to Pillard, culture should not be interpreted as nostalgia but rather as evidence that African peoples’ division was political rather than spiritual.
He clarified that while history protects memory, destiny demands action, and that the idea of the Global Africa Enlightenment is a reunion of peoples with common history and tradition rather than a creation.
The ambassador claims that former President Obasanjo’s appeal for a Global Africa Enlightenment is a policy direction and blueprint for the revitalization of African civilization rather than just a lyrical statement.
The celebrant is a role model for many Nigerians and Africans, according to Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, who also spoke at the occasion.
He continued by saying that Obasanjo’s enormous contributions to the advancement of Nigeria and the African continent would continue to benefit future generations.
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