My birth in ibogun gave community global recognition, says Obasanjo
The Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo has affirmed that his birth brought community Ibogun, his birth place in Ifo local government area of Ogun State to global recognition.
Penpushing reports that Obasanjo made this known on Wednesday while addressing guests who came to grace his 88th birthday ceremony held at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta.
The former President who expressed appreciation to God for sparing his life, having passed through lots of hardship, and equally cheated death about nineteen times, said his birth was a blessing for his homestead of Ibogun.
Penpushing further reports that Obasanjo accompanied by his wife, Bola Obasanjo pointed out that the remote nature of the Ibogun community may have made it difficult to have a place in the map, but for God to have designed his birth there, he ended up turning the community to place known globally through his name
The former President in the same vein, admitted that he has been favoured by God considering number of challenges he has face in life, stressing that he would remain fateful and grateful to the Almighty God.
Penpushing also reports that he declared that until we break ourselves completely from slavery and colonisation, we would not be able to make meaningful progress, noting that as Nigerians we all have duties and obligations to perform if we desire a prosperous nation.
The former President who expressed optimism on new and better Nigeria said he would continue to be an advocate of peace as well as strive for economic development of Nigeria and African.
Penpushing reports that Obasanjo whose birthday was graced by number of personalities within and outside the country extended appreciation to them for personally coming t rejoice with him.
The ceremony was added with glamour such as cultural display by various groups, comprising Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa cultural troupes, as well as renowned Juju maestro, Chief Ebenezer Obe-Fabiyi in attendance to perform.
Penpushing further reports that, however, President Bola Tinubu in a special tribute to Obasanjo, personally signed said providence has constantly thrust him, to the forefront at critical junctures in Nigeria’s story.
The Nigeria number one citizen pointed out that although the former president is sometimes controversial, his regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership.
“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’, Tinubu wrote.
“At 88, the former president is still gaining strength. I pray that God Almighty will grant him the grace and strength to live for more years so the nation and Africa can continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge’, he added.
‘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’.
‘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’.
‘Out of office, only a few will deny that the former president continues to wield considerable influence among the political elite at home and is 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’, Tinubu added.
‘At 88, the former president is still gaining strength. I pray that God Almighty will grant him the grace and strength to live for more years so the nation and Africa can continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge’, the letter reads.
Penpushing also reports that Governor Dapo Abiodun in his own remarks described the celebrator as a strong figure in national history, adding that his life has been defined by service, courage and unrelenting commitment to the progress of Nigeria and the continent of Africa.
The Governor stated that Obasanjo as a Soldier, Head of State and democratically elected President, he had shaped the political and economy trajectory of Nigeria with remarkable vision and leadership.
Penpushing reports that he noted that even in retirement, Obasanjo has remained one of the most influential voices in Africa, lending his words of wisdom to matters on governance, diplomacy and development.
“Beyond Nigeria, Baba is a true Pan Africanist. His work in promoting peace across the continent is really strengthening regional cooperation and his deep engagement in global affairs, demonstrate his belief that Africa must take charge of his destiny’, he added.
Penpushing further reports that Abiodun remarked that at 88 Obasanjo continues to be a leader of thought, a man whose words carried weights and whose actions inspired generations.
The Governor added that, his voice remained critical in shaping policies and discussions that have defined our future. He appreciated him for his continued contributions to the nation building.
Penpushing also reports that in his own contributions for Governor Ibikunle Amosun described Obasanjo as a true Nigerian, accommodating, peacemaker and one who loves his country, commonwealth and the whole world.
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola in his own remarks said one of the horrible things about colonialism was the mindset of the coloniser, noting that most Nigerians have colonised their minds, with foreign foods, religion and culture,
Penpushing reports that he pointed out that most parents have turned the local dialects to vernacular imposing speaking of foreign language and also replacing our local meals with burger among others.
The President, African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, in his virtual remarks said the celebrant’s word of wisdom and Pacifism had continued to make him stand out, describing him as a leader of leaders, role model and not just a justice of peace but a preacher of peace.
Penpushing further reports that Akinwunmi emphasized that his name Olusegun has made him victorious over all circumstances, adding that under his reign as the President of Nigeria, the country witnessed a remarkable development, saying without him, he would not have become a Minister.
The Guest Speaker, the Director General, Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, spoke on the topic, ‘Echoes of the past, visions of the future: Reflections on slavery and colonisation and Nigeria’s journey towards a promising future’, said to be free from slavery and colonisation, our leaders need to forget the past way of doing things and reflect on the vision of the future.
‘Nigerians need a total reorientation of mindset, while youths mindset should be decolonised because the way we dress, foods we eat, how we speak and our medical treatments still reflects slavery and colonisation’, he stated.
Penpushing also reports that the Vice Chancellor, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran congratulated Obasanjo saying most mindset should be decolonised and be opened to historical facts, stressing the need to teach Yoruba language and resuscitate the study of history in schools.
The dignitaries at the occasion include Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola and Olubara of Ibara, Oba Jacob Omolade.
Penpushing reports that others are Sir Kessignton Adebutu, Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State), Ademola Adeleke (Osun State), Adolphus Wabara (former Senate President), Peter Obi (former Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP), Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji (Founder Penpushing Media), Edward Ajogun(former Commissioner of Police Ogun State), Araola Olamide(Foremost female drummer in Africa) and Chief Joju Fadairo(Asiwaju of Ifo)
The list include Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Alhaja Salmot Badru (former Deputy Governor Ogun State), Engr (Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele (Deputy Governor Ogun State), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola(former Governor Osun State) Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, Olori Adenike Ogunleye, Senator Salisu Shuaib, Commander Akinwumi Fasakin(Ogun State Sector Federal Road Safety Corps), Olori Dosunmu, Olori Khadijat Matemilola, Princess(Dr) Ronke Ogunremi and Olori Ameenah Matemilola
Meanwhile two books were launched, one was edited by the celebrant and the other one was written by him, with both reflected on his wealth of experience as well as speaks to his concern about the well-being of the continent and his attainable hope for the country’s future, praying that God would grant him long life and good health.
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