In a heartfelt message, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to former President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo as he celebrates his 88th birthday today. The President recognized Obasanjo as an extraordinary leader whose contributions have significantly shaped Nigeria’s development over the past six decades.
President Tinubu highlighted General Obasanjo’s pivotal role in the Nigerian Army, particularly during the civil war when he commanded the Third Marine Division and accepted the instrument of surrender from the Biafran Army. His leadership extended into the political arena, where he took over the reins of power following General Murtala Mohammed’s assassination in 1976, completing a vital transition to civilian rule in 1979. Obasanjo later returned to power as a civilian president in 1999, marking the beginning of a new democratic era that continues to thrive today.
During his time in office, General Obasanjo implemented key policies and reforms that greatly impacted the lives of Nigerians, showcasing a deep commitment to national unity, peace, and progress. Even after leaving office, he remains a significant figure in Nigerian politics and a respected ambassador for global peace, recognized for his advocacy for good governance and Pan-Africanism through various international platforms.
The President acknowledged that while Obasanjo’s interventions may sometimes spark controversy, they have played a crucial role in shaping public policy and holding leaders accountable. As he commended Obasanjo for his dedication to Nigeria, President Tinubu expressed hopes for his continued strength and wisdom in the years to come.
In conclusion, President Tinubu extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, wishing a happy 88th birthday to a great patriot and statesman.
This tribute reflects the enduring legacy of a leader who has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history and governance.
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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
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