Obasanjo’s Optimism for Nigeria’s Future on His 88th Birthday

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed his unwavering optimism about Nigeria’s future during his 88th birthday celebration. He emphasized the need for selfless leadership and addressed the impact of colonialism on the continent. President Bola Tinubu acknowledged Obasanjo’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s governance and leadership throughout its history.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future during a recent event commemorating his 88th birthday. He articulated the belief that despite the current challenges, Nigeria can achieve greatness. “For me, I am an incurable optimist about Nigeria. Yes, the situation is bad, but I believe that in my lifetime we will have Nigeria that we shall all be proud of,” Obasanjo declared.

The celebration included the presentation of two of his new books, “Nigeria: Past and Future” and “Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation.” The event took place at the Centre For Human Security and Dialogue, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, with notable attendees such as Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Obasanjo stressed the necessity for Africa to liberate itself from remnants of colonialism and slavery, arguing that true greatness cannot be attained under the shadows of the past. He stated, “Part of our problems in Africa is what I may call residues of the slave trade, slavery and colonialism.” He emphasized that addressing these issues is vital for progress.

In his remarks, he also discussed the importance of selfless leadership, encouraging Nigerians to focus on their duties and responsibilities to create a prosperous nation. The former President reflected on the need to critically assess Nigeria’s historical and political context with the aim of identifying pathways toward national improvement.

President Bola Tinubu also praised Obasanjo on his birthday, recognizing his remarkable influence on Nigeria’s leadership and governance. Tinubu commended Obasanjo for his contributions to national unity and his efforts in advocating for peace and economic reforms. “Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership,” he noted, underscoring Obasanjo’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s history.

In conclusion, Olusegun Obasanjo remains a beacon of hope, advocating for a brighter future for Nigeria, despite prevailing challenges. His recent expressions of optimism highlight the need for unity, self-assessment, and dedication among Nigerians to create a nation of which they can be proud. Furthermore, both Obasanjo’s recognition of colonial legacies and President Tinubu’s tribute underscore the critical contributions of this former leader to Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

Original Source: punchng.com