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A host of Nigerians has poured encomium on former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he marked his 85th birthday. Among those who honoured Obasanjo on his 85th birthday are President of the Senate, Dr  Ahmad Lawan and former Senate President David Mark. Other are former President Goodluck Jonathan, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Presidential hopeful, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu and former Governor of Lagos State, Sen. Bola Tinubu. Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bells University have congratulated the former President.

Senate President congratulates former president Obasanjo at 85

The President of the Senate, Dr  Ahmad Lawan has felicitated with former president Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 85th birthday. Lawan, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday by Mr Ola Awoniyi, his Special Adviser on Media,  joined  Obasanjo’s family members, friends, and well-wishers to rejoice with the elder statesman on this auspicious occasion. “I heartily congratulate former president Obasanjo as he continues his strong march in his remarkable journey of life. “President Obasanjo is a true Nigerian patriot, pan-Africanist and global figure who has made great contributions to the political development of Nigeria and the emancipation of Africa. “He is a consistent protagonist of the Nigerian project, even now as an elder statesman, he has continued to push for Nigeria to realise her huge potentials as a great nation. “This is to be expected, as his name is linked to some of the greatest events and developments in Nigerian history. “I therefore heartily join Nigerians across the country in celebrating this unique figure as he crosses the milestone of 85 years. “I also congratulate him on the divine blessing of attaining the milestone in good health of body and mind. “I wish him many more years of continued service to his beloved Nigeria and Africa, and to the cause of peace all over the world,” Lawan said.

Obasanjo’s indomitable spirit inspiring, reassuring – David Mark

Former Senate President  David Mark has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a patriotic African leader. Obasanjo attained the age of  85 years on Saturday. In a congratulatory message on Sunday in Abuja, Mark said that Obsanjo had been passionate about peace, unity and development of the continent. He made the disclosure in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr Paul Mumeh. According to the former senate president, Obasanjo is an uncommon leader who believes in the unity of Nigeria and Africa at large. “Both as a military head of state and as civilian president, Obasanjo left no one in doubt of his political will to uphold the sanctity of our unity as one indivisible Nigeria. “His frontline role in the battle that ended the 30 months Nigeria/ Biafra  war remains a reference point in the history and evolution of Nigeria,“he said. He praised Obasanjo for his untiring efforts in ensuring peace in Nigeria and Africa, saying, “his indomitable spirit is inspiring and reassuring.” Mark urged the new generation of leaders to emulate the virtues of Obasanjo. “His kind is what we need to make the nation peaceful, united and uphold our bond of brotherhood,” he said. He urged Obasanjo to continue to make his  wealth of experience available to the younger generation  to tap from. He prayed God to continue to grant Obasanjo good health, wisdom and courage.

Jonathan congratulates Obasanjo at 85

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has felicitated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 85th birthday. He described Obasanjo as a leader with a good reputation and a statesman. Jonathan in a goodwill message in Abuja on Saturday noted that Obasanjo’s legacies have continued to endure many years after he left office as President. “I join your family and friends to celebrate you as you mark your birthday this year. “ You are an accomplished leader, with a sterling reputation in statesmanship and a peacemaker in Nigeria and across Africa. “Your legacies in Nigeria and Africa have continued to endure many years after you left office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “As you celebrate, on behalf of my family and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I wish you more strength, good health and peace in all spheres of life.”

Okowa salutes Obasanjo at 85

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as he clocked 85 years. Okowa said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba. He said Nigeria benefited immensely from the former president’s leadership at various times as several tangible key infrastructure and, economic reforms, were hallmarks of his leadership. Okowa commended the former president for always lending his voice on national issues and for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the country and humanity. He described the octogenerian as an epitome of nationalism and statesmanship and lauded him for his sustained contributions to peace and unity in Nigeria. Okowa remarked that the former president had, through acknowledged efforts and effect, etched his name and Nigeria’s in global reckoning, adding that he was a well-respected personality in global affairs. “On the occasion of your 85th birth anniversary, I heartily rejoice with you and your family on behalf of the government and people of Delta. “As a country, we recall with nostalgia, the economic reforms in the banking, communication and health sectors, introduced during your administration which paved way for the revolution in the Nigerian economy. “At 85, you have continued to give yourself to the service of our nation in various ways, including your frequent fatherly admonitions to the nation at various levels. “I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life and to pray that He continues to bless you with robust health, guidance, protection and enduring provisions. “I wish you, our dear father, a well-deserved 85th birth anniversary celebration,” he said.

Birthday: OBJ has made great contributions to Nigeria – Kingsley Moghalu

Presidential hopeful, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu on Sunday, congratulated former president Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday, describing him as one who had made great contributions to Nigeria. Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the CBN and a 2023 presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC)  said this in a statement in Lagos. “I congratulate H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Ph.D. GCFR, on his 85th birthday. “Baba”, as he is fondly called, has made great contributions to nation-building, national stability, the economy, and international relations of our country Nigeria. “Love him, hate him or be indifferent, no one can ignore his huge footprints in the sands of Nigerian and African time.’ Moghalu said that Obasanjo’s address on “Africa Narrative with Nigeria Situation” to mark his birthday, was a classic, hoping that the media would publish it full. "The address was deep, thoughtful and laden with experience. "There are no perfect leaders. There are no leaders without fault or mistakes. But ex president Obasanjo is a thinking man who respects ideas, and has made powerful contributions to national, African and world history. "Happy birthday Baba! May God grant you many more years,” Moghalu added.

Tinubu hails Obasanjo at 85

A former Governor of Lagos State, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has felicitated former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he clocks 85. Tinubu, in a congratulatory message by his Media Aide, Mr Tunde Rahman, on Saturday in Lagos, praised Obasanjo for his patriotism and commitment to the unity of the country. The All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart said that the former president had remained strong, agile and committed to the greatness of our dear nation. He explained that although there had been instances where he had disagreed with Obasanjo on important substantive issues. Tinubu, however, noted that the former president had made numerous useful contributions to the country. “Our debates have been spirited yet always professional and without personal animus. “Through it all, I have come to respect his love for the country and legendary work ethics. “President Obasanjo has worked tirelessly for Nigeria, Africa and indeed the black race and has earned his stripes as an important statesman on the world stage. “Baba Obasanjo is bold and courageous and will continue to be so for that is the essence of his character,” he said. Tinubu prayed God Almighty keeps Obasanjo for many more years and that God grants him good health and ceaseless energy to continue to be of service to the country he loves so dearly.

PDP salutes former President Obasanjo at 85

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 85th birthday anniversary. The party congratulated him in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Saturday. Ologunagba described Obasanjo as an exceptionally patriotic leader, courageous statesman, insightful administrator and global personality. He said that “Obasanjo had continued to play pivotal roles towards the security, unity, stability and development of our dear nation, Nigeria, Africa and indeed the world at large. “As a military leader, democratically elected President and now an elder statesman, Obasanjo remains a detribalised leader and firm believer in one and indivisible Nigeria established on the firm foundation of democracy, justice, equity, transparency and the Rule of Law. “The PDP recalls Obasanjo’s leading role as Military Head of State to effectively steer the ship of state and returned our nation to democratic rule in 1979. “As a democratically elected President, under the platform of our great Party, the PDP, Obasanjo ran an all-inclusive, transparent and development-oriented government, entrenched democratic practice, and revamped the productive sectors. “He set up anti-corruption institutions and steadied the nation on the path of economic prosperity in line with the vision and manifesto of the PDP,” Ologunagba said. He noted that under the Obasanjo-led PDP administration, Nigeria paid off its foreign debts, instilled good governance to effectively empower Nigerians and stimulate rapid growth in critical sectors and made nation a global investment destination. The sectors, according to him, include agriculture, manufacturing, education, power, oil and gas, healthcare, housing, banking and finance, and telecommunication, among others. He said that as an elder statesman, Obasanjo continued to make himself available for national service. Ologunagba said that the PDP family felicitated with Obasanjo on the auspicious occasion, praying that God will grant him many more years in good health for greater service to the nation and humanity at large.

Bells University celebrates proprietor, former President Obasanjo at 85

The Vice-Chancellor, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran, on Saturday congratulated its proprietor, former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday. Ojediran described Obasanjo as a quintessential global leader. He noted that Obasanjo’s contributions to Nigeria, Africa and the world were exemplary, saying the former president is a living legend and a strong voice within and outside Nigeria. The vice-chancellor said that the former president is worth celebrating for his contributions to the development of Nigeria and of the African continent. “On behalf of Bells University’s management and my family, I deeply felicitate with Baba Obasanjo on his 85th anniversary. “I pray that the giver of life would continue to grant him long life and good health to reap the good fruits of his labour,’’ he said. Ojediran also described Obasanjo as someone who was always seeking solutions to pressing development problems confronting Africa and developing nations in general.

At 85, Obasanjo harps on nation-building

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said on Saturday in Abeokuta that Nigeria needed to embrace and prioritise nation- building to attain greater heights. He spoke at a symposium with the theme: “African narrative with the Nigerian Situation’’ organised to mark his 85th birthday. Obasanjo listed the ideals of nation building to include equity, justice, common ideals, popular education, shared values, mutual respect and equality of opportunities. He explained that the fundamentals needed to be anchored and propelled by leaders who are persons of integrity, honour, morality, competence, great virtue and must be courageous to do what is right. He added that such leaders must be humble and be able to put a team together to work in selfless devotion and service with the fear of God. “From personal experience and clinical observation, there is no substitute for steady and uncompromised process of nation-building as we have had in some notable examples in the past that have stood us in good stead. “Fixing Nigeria must begin on the principles of nation-building; not necessarily on emotions, sentiments, euphoria, ignorance, incompetence, ethnicity, nepotism, bigotry, sectionalism, regionalism, religion or class. “The issues of security, stability, development, economy and our relationship within Africa and with the rest of the world can only be taken care of if we get the issue of nation-building right,’’ he said. Obasanjo advised that Nigeria must first seek to be a nation rather than a country, stressing that: “the cart should not be put before the horse, otherwise, Nigeria, in no time will not be a country, but countries.’’ For the statesman, such task was beyond one person, political parties, professionals and commercial politicians. “It demands and requires all hands to be on deck. I mean Nigerians in all walks of life including, politicians, community leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, diplomatic leaders, leaders in the academia, leaders in all aspects of government and leaders in other aspects of the civil society,’’ he said. Concerning the 2023 general elections, Obasanjo advised Nigerians to prioritise principles above personalities in their choice of leaders. “We need to be clear about what Nigeria needs today and why Nigeria needs it. Only then can we answer the question of how. The answer will inform us of the criteria and characteristics for determining who. “I believe in principles before personalities and taking personalities before principles is putting the cart before the horse,’’ the former Nigerian leader said. He added that what was uppermost for him was how to transit Nigeria from being a country to a nation. “When we have adequately taken care of nation-building measures, especially management of our unity and taken care of every anomalous situation, then we must zero on personalities. “In situation like the one we are in, I will not rush into naming names without necessary consultations and well-defined principles and criteria. “Each contender must be properly x-rayed and profiled from birth and Nigerians must be educated to be able to make a choice that will be in the national interest and propel Nigeria forward,’’ Obasanjo stressed.