Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reaffirmed his belief that Nigeria will overcome its challenges, stating, “Yes, the situation is bad, no doubt, but I believe in my lifetime, we will have the Nigeria that we will all be proud of.”
Obasanjo made this declaration on Wednesday during his 88th birthday celebration at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The event also featured the unveiling of two books authored by him—Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation and Nigeria: Past and Future.
Dignitaries, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, reverend Esther Ajayi, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and traditional rulers, attended the event.
Addressing the themes of his new books, Obasanjo emphasised the need for Africa to shed the lingering effects of colonialism and slavery to reach its full potential.
“Part of our problems in Africa is what I may call residues of slave trade, slavery, and colonialism. Until we break ourselves completely away from it, we may not be able to make progress as we should,” he said.
He further urged Africans to reclaim their identity, joking about his preference for his indigenous name over Western influences.
“Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (AfDB President) keeps calling me Matthew. I have no problem with the evangelical mission behind it, but Matthew was a tax collector. Now, we have Peter—though he denied Jesus, he became the rock. We have John. I don’t know why my father didn’t name me Peter, John, Samuel, or Joseph. I will rather keep my name as Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo.”
Obasanjo maintained that strong leadership is essential for Nigeria’s progress.
“We must always bear in mind that there is duty and obligation. If we do it well, we will have an enviable Nigeria,” he said.
“If leadership demonstrates strong will, remains selfless, and is committed to building a virile nation, we will get out of the woods.”
His book Nigeria: Past and Future examines the country’s missteps and the possible path forward.
“It is for us to see where we have all gone wrong without exception, and then see if there is a way out. If we know the way out, how do we get there?”
The former president also playfully addressed speculation about his age, insisting that he is exactly 88.
“Don’t believe anyone saying I am older than 88, that I am 90. My mother told me I was born on Ifo Market day.
“Kabiyesi, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, was born on Itoku Market day. Every Itoku Market day is Oba Gbadebo’s birthday, while every Ifo Market day is mine. We’ll leave it at that.”
Obasanjo thanked well-wishers and prayed for longevity for all.
“May all of you who have reached 80 attain 90 and 100, and I will celebrate that 90 and 100 with you,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Ogun State government, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele described Obasanjo as a “global icon and pan-Africanist” whose impact on the continent remains invaluable.
In a lecture titled “Echoes of the Past, Visions of the Future,” Professor Eghosa Osaghae emphasized the need for Nigeria to reclaim its history and identity, free from colonial remnants.
Obasanjo’s birthday celebration was a mix of reflection, humor and a renewed call for patriotism. Even at 88, he remains vocal about Nigeria’s potential, insisting that a better future is possible within his lifetime.
