FormerPresident Olusegun Obasanjo opened up, yesterday, on his major regret in life.
He said it was his parents’ deaths, which didn’t allow them reap the fruits of their labour.
According to Obasanjo, his parents’
inability to witness the turnaround in his life was “sad and
regrettable,” despite sacrifices they made to ensure his success.
He also mentioned Africa’s poor
leadership, which according to him, has plunged the continent into
various political and economic challenges.
Obasanjo disclosed this at the
celebration of his 81st birthday, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo
Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, yesterday.
“One thing I always miss and remember is
that my parents left this world too early. The sacrifice they made,
they do not wait to see the results. How I wish they had waited to see
and eat fruits of their labour”.
He, however, remarked that his
consolation was in the popular Yoruba belief that, “the dead always look
behind” and that the parents would be happy for the success story so
far for him.
“But going by what Yoruba believe and say
that, the dead always watch over their beloved ones and see happenings
around them, I am convinced that, my parents are happy in their graves,
as they watch over me,” he added.
On his 81st birthday, Obasanjo stressed
he would continue to appreciate, praise, adore and worship God, just as
he commended all those who worked and still working with him. He
described them as “loyal aides.”
The former president also harped on the need to serve humanity.
“It is when humanity is served that one
can serve God. I do not believe that God has created bad situation for
Nigeria, or any particularly country in Africa.”
On Africa, Obasanjo, blamed the
continent’s political and economic woes on leadership deficit,
which, according to him, has been largely responsible for the
continent’s underdevelopment and growth.
He, however, observed that issue of
leadership, development and values, should be upheld to achieve a
paradigm shift in various areas of development in Africa.
Earlier, a member of OOPL Board of
Trustees, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, described Obasanjo as the needed elixir
for Nigeria’s problem.
On his own part, Ogun State Governor,
Senator Ibikunle Amosun,
In his remarks, governor Amosun described Obasanjo as a nationalist and a giant in Africa even as he prayed that the former President lives for 100 years and not 120 like many people were wishing him. He alsourged Obasanjo to reduce his daily activities
and noted he always marvelled at his work rate.
“I call and he is at home; the next
minute, he says he’s in Botswana, another minute, he’s in Europe and I
wonder where is the energy coming from. Baba, now that you are now 81,
we want you to reduce your activities,” Amosun submitted.
He went on to say, “Love him or hate him, there’s something nobody can take away from him, he’s a true nationalist. Baba loves Nigeria and I know that there’s absolutely nothing he wouldn’t want to do for Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, the APC has hailed former President on the occasion of his 81st birthday, describing him as a bastion of democracy in the continent.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said: “Chief Obasanjo has inspired a generation of Nigerians notably in the area of entrepreneurship, leadership and education, especially through his non-profit initiatives, the Africa Leadership Forum, ALF, and the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.”
Senator Mark in a goodwill message through his media Assistant, Paul Mumeh, said, “No one is in doubt that Chief Obasanjo has demonstrated steadfastness, uncommon commitment and faith in the Nigerian project.”
Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/81st-birthday-major-regrets-life-obasanjo/