Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, celebrating his 88th birthday, emphasized his optimism about Nigeria’s potential despite existing challenges. He presented two new books focused on Nigeria’s historical contexts and the need for collective efforts toward greatness. He urged for a break from colonial legacies and promoted indigenously-led development, while receiving recognition from prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, for his contributions to governance and national unity.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed an optimistic vision for Nigeria’s future during his 88th birthday celebration. Despite acknowledging the current challenges faced by the nation, he believes it is possible to restore Nigeria’s greatness. He emphasized the responsibility of all Nigerians to work towards creating an admirable country and presented two books, “Nigeria: Past and Future” and “Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation,” to highlight historical issues and the path forward.
The book launch took place at the Centre for Human Security and Dialogue, with notable figures in attendance, including Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and other former governors. Obasanjo urged the African continent to liberate itself from colonial legacies to achieve excellence, insisting that it must move beyond colonial inferiority to reclaim its rightful place in global affairs. He addressed misconceptions about his age, firmly stating that he is not older than 88 years.
In relation to the themes of his new books, Obasanjo noted that Africa’s struggles are tied to the remnants of slavery and colonialism. He indicated that true progress in Africa relies on breaking free from these historical burdens. As he explained, this process involves reexamining national identities, shedding colonial pasts, and embracing indigenous values to foster development.
The event also featured a lecture by Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, who called for a reimagining of Nigeria’s history and culture while stressing the importance of African-led development. He highlighted the necessity of promoting indigenous knowledge and cultural practices to address the challenges facing Nigeria today. Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu recognized Obasanjo as an unparalleled leader whose influence has significantly shaped Nigeria’s governance landscape and fervently praised his contributions to national unity and economic reform.
In summary, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo remains a steadfast optimist regarding Nigeria’s potential for greatness. His acknowledgment of historical challenges through his book presentations emphasizes the need for a collective effort in overcoming colonial legacies. The event celebrated both his personal milestones and his long-standing impact on Nigeria’s governance, reinforcing the importance of African leadership in shaping a prosperous future.
Original Source: punchng.com
