Prominent political leaders and dignitaries gathered yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to celebrate former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 89th birthday.

Dignitaries applauded his legacy of service and leadership to the nation and humanity.

Among those who hailed the elder statesman at the Dome and later at the Mackay – both located within the sprawling Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, include Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Peter Obi (Anambra), and Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano).

Others include former Senate President and National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, and the Alake of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, among other dignitaries.

The birthday celebration, which held at the OOPL, featured a lecture with the theme: “The Global Africa Enlightenment: From Chains to Renaissance.”

Governor Abiodun described Obasanjo as an enduring example of leadership, public service, and national responsibility for younger generations.

The Ogun State governor noted that national development depends on strong institutions and leaders who are willing to look beyond immediate personal or political interests.

He said the theme of the lecture reflected Africa’s historical journey from the painful experience of colonial domination to the ongoing quest for dignity, development, and progress.

Abiodun stressed that the continent’s future lies in strengthening institutions, investing in knowledge, and building societies rooted in justice, innovation, and unity.

The governor also recalled that the establishment of the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) during Obasanjo’s presidency laid a solid foundation for economic restructuring, fiscal discipline, and reforms in Nigeria’s public sector.

He added that Obasanjo’s administration between 1999 and 2007 implemented several far-reaching reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy.

These included the creation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the 2003 banking sector reforms, and transformative changes in the telecommunications industry.

“Beyond Nigeria, Baba, your influence has extended across Africa and the wider international community, particularly in conflict resolution and diplomacy,” Abiodun said.

He noted that the former president had served as a mediator and peace envoy in several regional conflicts, including efforts in Liberia, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“Through the African Union, the United Nations and other global initiatives, you have consistently promoted dialogue as a pathway to peace and stability.

“Young Africans must study figures like Baba, not merely to celebrate their achievements but to understand the principles guiding their decisions and how purposeful leadership can influence the direction of a nation and even a continent,” the governor added.

Abiodun also recalled that as Nigeria’s military Head of State, Obasanjo played a significant role in supporting liberation movements across Africa.

He said Nigeria stood firmly against apartheid and colonial rule at the time because Obasanjo believed that the freedom of one African nation was closely tied to the freedom of all.

Delivering the lecture, Haiti’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to South Africa, Jean Robert Pillard, said history binds people together while culture reminds humanity of its shared identity.

Pillard noted that culture should not be seen merely as nostalgia but as proof that separation among African peoples was largely political rather than spiritual.

He explained that the concept of the Global Africa Enlightenment represents a reunion of people with shared history and heritage.

According to him, Obasanjo’s call for a Global Africa Enlightenment is not simply a poetic idea but a policy direction and a blueprint for the renewal of African civilisation.

Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Obasanjo as a man who is defined by service, courage, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria.

In a congratulatory message yesterday, Atiku celebrated Obasanjo’s remarkable journey and his enduring contributions to the unity and progress of the nation.

According to the former vice president, Obasanjo’s life reflects a deep sense of leadership and dedication to the Nigerian project, noting that his legacy continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.

“As President Olusegun Obasanjo marks his 89th birthday, I celebrate a life that has been defined by service, courage, and an enduring commitment to Nigeria,” Atiku said.

He added that the former president’s role in shaping the country’s political and national development remains significant and worthy of recognition.

Atiku also prayed for continued good health and strength for the elder statesman, expressing hope that Obasanjo would enjoy many more years of impactful service to Nigeria and humanity.

“His life stands as a testament to leadership and devotion to the Nigerian project. I pray that God continues to bless him with good health, strength, and many more years of impactful service to our nation and humanity,” he stated.

The former Vice President further described Obasanjo as a statesman whose life reflects the strength and beauty of Nigeria’s diversity.

“Atiku said he warmly felicitates with his former boss on behalf of his family,” the statement added.

Also, in a statement yesterday in Kano by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, Mark described the former Nigerian leader as a statesman of remarkable courage, discipline and enduring commitment to the unity, stability and progress of Nigeria.

He said that Obasanjo’s decades of service to the nation, both in military and civilian leadership, left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history and democratic development.

“Obasanjo remains one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s national journey. His dedication to nation-building, democratic governance and the pursuit of peace and stability in Africa continues to inspire generations of leaders,” Mark stated.

He added that the elder statesman’s wealth of experience, forthright counsel and consistent advocacy for good governance have continued to shape national discourse and strengthen democratic institutions.

In a statement by the Head of his media office in Abuja, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, the former NGF chairman, said the elder statesman helped to shape the nation’s political and institutional trajectory.

“Chief Obasanjo remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s public life and a statesman whose commitment to the unity, stability, and progress of our country has been steadfast over the years,” Fayemi stated.

He noted that Obasanjo’s contributions extend beyond Nigeria, citing his consistent advocacy for peace, democratic values, and development across the African continent.

Fayemi said the former President’s courage, forthrightness and willingness to speak truth to power have continued to enrich national discourse and strengthen democratic culture in Nigeria.

“As he marks his 89th birthday, I join family members, friends, associates, and countless admirers across Nigeria and the world in celebrating a life devoted to service.

“We remain grateful for his sacrifices and his continuing role as a mentor to many within and outside public life,” he added.

Also, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo, described the former president as a role model for many Nigerians and Africans.

He added that generations yet unborn would continue to benefit from Obasanjo’s immense contributions to Nigeria and the African continent. (The Nation)