‘Sometimes Controversial,’ Tinubu Hails Obasanjo On 88th Birthday
Tinubu described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as an “extraordinary leader and statesman” whose contributions to Nigeria’s development remain indelible.
By Ignatius Igwe
Bola Tinubu visits Obasanjo at his Ogun residence on August 17, 2022. Twitter/@officialABAT
President Bola Tinubu has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 88th birthday as “controversial” while eulogising the latter’s contributions to nation-building.
Tinubu in a statement signed on Wednesday, also described the former statesman as an “extraordinary leader ” whose contributions to Nigeria’s development remain indelible.
According to Tinubu, Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs, although sometimes controversial, have helped shape public policies and put leaders in check.
“Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership.
“At 88, the former president is still gaining strength. I pray that God Almighty will grant him more years so the nation and Africa can continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu also lauded Obasanjo’s statesmanship and dedication to national unity, peace, and progress, praying for continued strength and wisdom for the former leader.
To Tinubu, the former President wields enduring influence in national and global affairs. He further described Obasanjo as an “ambassador of global peace and a troubleshooter,” whose efforts in conflict resolution and governance advocacy have earned him respect across Africa and beyond.
Recounting Obasanjo’s pivotal role in ending the Nigerian Civil War, the President said that as a colonel in the Nigerian Army, he received the instrument of surrender from Biafran Army Commander, Col. Philip Effiong, in 1970.
Tinubu also highlighted Obasanjo’s leadership following the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed in 1976, commending his commitment to democracy by overseeing a transition to civilian rule in 1979.
“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,” he stated.
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BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE BY PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU TO FORMER PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO, GCFR, ON HIS 88TH BIRTHDAY
Today, as former President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo turns 88, I pay a special tribute to an extraordinary leader and statesman who has made enormous contributions to Nigeria’s development and whose life for the past six decades is woven deeply into the fabric of Nigeria’s history.
Providence has constantly thrust General Obasanjo to the forefront at critical junctures in Nigeria’s story.
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.
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.
On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I extend heartfelt congratulations to this great patriot. Happy 88th Birthday, President Obasanjo!
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
March 5, 2025