Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late wife of the first civilian Governor of Ogun State, Chief Lucia Onabanjo, as a woman who rendered selfless and dedicated service to humanity, particularly in the field of education.
In a condolence message in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Chief Obasanjo described late Onabanjo as a role model whose personal life and achievements inspired generations of young people, stressing that she derived joy from mentoring and guiding younger men and women to succeed in life.
Former President said the late matriarch distinguished herself as a committed teacher in the public service, noting that the quality of her contribution was evident in the large number of students she mentored who have excelled in their various careers over the years.
Chief Obasanjo also described her as a strong advocate of women’s rights and empowerment, whose life was a source of inspiration to many Nigerian women.
The former President, who recalled that the late Chief Onabanjo fully supported her husband during his tenure as Ogun State’s first civilian Governor from 1979 to 1983, added that she would be remembered for her integrity, humility and love for the people, prayed God to grant her eternal rest.
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mr. Kabiru Turaki has expressed confidence in reclaiming the governorship seats in Ekiti and Osun states as part of its plan to return to power at the federal level in the 2027 general elections.
Leader of the PDP faction Mr. Kabiru Turaki made the remarks during a courtesy visit by members of the group to former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.
The delegation included former President of the Senate and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Governor of Niger State Dr. Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Plateau State Senator Jonah Jang, and other party leaders aligned with the faction.
Speaking with journalists after the closed-door meeting, Mr. Turaki said the visit was aimed at drawing from the experience of the former president as the group works to reposition the party ahead of future elections.
He expressed optimism about the political prospects of the faction and assured supporters of improved fortunes going forward.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, says he will only engage genuine property owners affected by the Ibadan Circular Road project, insisting that the ongoing protests are politically motivated.
Governor Makinde made the remark during the commissioning of the Ibadan Central Bus Terminal at Iwo Road, describing as unfortunate the attempts by some individuals to politicize a project meant to deliver long-term economic and infrastructural benefits to the state.
He noted that despite the criticism and “unflattering names” directed at him on social media, leadership means taking blame today to secure the future.
The governor reaffirmed that the 113-kilometre Circular Road remains a cornerstone of his administration’s vision to ease traffic, boost investment, and open new economic corridors across Oyo State.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who attended the event, commended Governor Makinde for his developmental efforts, especially in infrastructure, and urged stakeholders to ensure proper maintenance of the new bus terminal.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo opened a new youth centre in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Chief Obasanjo said he is worried about the number of idle young people on the streets and wants to engage them meaningfully.
The new facility is called the Obanta Centre, is part of the Olusegun Obasanjo Youth Development Centre.
It includes a cinema, a squash court, a lawn tennis court, and an entrepreneurial center.
Chief Obasanjo stated that youth development is central to Nigeria’s progress.
He has built similar centres in Abeokuta, and he noted that the idea is to combine work, recreation, and social interaction for young people.
The Director of the OOPL Youth Centre, Mrs Bisi Kolapo, listed other features of the Obanta Youth Centre to include a football pitch, a swimming pool, a gym, cinema halls, and an event hall.
She added that the centre will provide entrepreneurship training and startup support, as this will help young people build businesses and create jobs.
Chairman of the occasion and Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Chief Sunny Kuku, commended Chief Obasanjo.
Chief Kuku praised the project for combining health, education, and social welfare.
Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has launched an institute to equip leaders with the skills, capability, and vision necessary to transform their nations and the continent collectively.
The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute, OOLI, is a movement aimed at reclaiming Africa’s leadership narrative and investing in a new generation of principled, prepared, and people-focused leaders.
Inaugurating the institute at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the former President explained that the institute was in response to the leadership deficit in Africa, which he noted had hindered the continent’s development and prosperity.
Chief Obasanjo pointed that OOLI was not just an academic institution, but a hybrid that would borrow from the best practices of the military and other institutions.
The former president expressed confidence that the institute would become a beacon of excellence in leadership education, preparation, and practice, announcing that the institute would collaborate and network with organizations and institutions with similar aims and objectives.
He commended several African leaders, including President John Mahama of Ghana, President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim of Mauritius, former President Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa, and former President Macky Sall of Senegal, for their roles in leadership development in Africa.
Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the former Oyo State governor and renowned Mathematician Chief Omololu Olunloyo as a patriotic Nigerian who stood for justice, peace, and the progress of the country until his last days on earth.
Chief Obasanjo while reacting to the passing of the late Mathematician turned politician, said the late Olunloyo remained one of the notable Nigerians with deep blood of patriotism running in their veins.
In a statement in Abeokuta, the former president expressed concerns over the decreasing ranks of national leaders, particularly at this crucial time of the country when their wise counsel and rich experience were greatly needed.
Chief Obasanjo commiserated with Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the people of the state and prayed God to grant the family of the deceased, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Late Olunloyo was a Commissioner in the old Western region at age 27, before he served as the Governor of Oyo State from 1st October 1983 to 31st December 1983, before the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari seized power and truncated the democracy of the Second Republic.
Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, National Working Committee, NWC, Service Chiefs in Oyo State, Board of O’dua Investment Company and the Seriki Hausawa of Oyo State, have visited the governor of Oyo State, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde over the demise of his brother, Engineer Sunday Makinde.
The individuals and groups visited the governor separately.
Chief Obasanjo, who got to the Ikolaba home of Governor Makinde in the company of the Director-General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Dr Simeon Ehui, and his team, expressed condolences to the governor urging him to take heart and be strong.
The former president equally condoled with the extended Makinde family.
Similarly, the PDP NWC paid a condolence visit to the governor, condoling him and his family over Engineer Makinde’s demise.
Speaking on behalf of the PDP NWC, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, said the deceased lived a fulfilled life and left successful siblings behind.
The PDP NWC members in attendance included the National Secretary, Rt. Hon. SKE Udeokoye; National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba; National Vice Chairman, South-East, High Chief Ali Odefa; Mr Daniel Wuyigikoro and Mrs. Amina Darisam.
The Service Chiefs in Oyo State led by the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Makinde, COMPOL Fatai Owoseni (Rtd), also visited the governor, charging him to take solace in God and the fact that his brother lived a fulfilled life.
The board of Odu’a Investment Company led by its chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, equally paid a visit to condole with Governor Makinde, noting that he needs people around him at this period.
A Memorial Service has been held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State in honour of late former President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter, who died on the 29th of December last year in Plains, Georgia USA, at the age of 100.
The memorial service, organized by Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo at the Chapel of Christ The Glorious King, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta was coordinated by the President of the Baptist Convention, the Reverend Israel Akanji.
In a special tribute, entitled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan”, Chief Obasanjo explained that his decision to organise the service, about 5000 miles away from the home country of the deceased was in recognition of the late former US President Carter’s lifestyle as a humble man.
Chief Obasanjo described the 39th US President as a great world leader and a righteous lover of God and humanity who fostered real independence as well as economic and social progress for all African nations.
“With less than a month in office, President Carter told us to begin our walking and working together with the US Administration under President Carter leading to my State Visit to the US on October 11, 1977, and culminating in President Carter’s State Visit to Nigeria on March 31-April 3, 1978, the first of such State Visits to any country in Africa by a sitting American President. From then on, whatever the US was doing in Africa, we were carried along”, Chief Obasanjo stated.
Acknowledging the late Carter as a personal friend that stayed true to their friendship of many decades, former President Obasanjo affirmed that the former US President established and sustained the peace, through a virile relationship between Nigeria and the United States and equally between the United States and the entire African continent.
He maintained that the late Carter had also shown that success could easily be achieved while leading by example and in humility, through a leadership style that carried along an army of co-workers who shared the ideal and burden of the work.
In a sermon, President of the Baptist Convention, the Reverend Israel Akanji also highlighted the laudable contributions of the late Jimmy Carter towards ensuring global peace and stability, stressing the need for other world leaders to emulate the virtues of putting the people’s interest above all other considerations.
The ancient town of Ede in Osun State was agog and attracted thousands of people from all walks of life, as the State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke celebrated his 64th Birthday, to appreciate God on his Supreme Court victory which upheld him as the Governor of the State at the 2023 Governorship Tribunal, a year ago.
The installation of the Governor was held at the Palace of the Timi of Ede and guests were entertained at the NYSC, Orientation Camp, Ede.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent reports that, the Birthday Celebration of Senator Adeleke coincide with his installation as the Asiwaju of Edeland by The Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal.
In his Royal speech, The Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal said the conferment of the Chieftaincy title of Asiwaju of Edeland on Senator Adeleke was to appreciate the efforts of the Adeleke’s family towards uplifting the Economy of Ede town.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman, Nigerian Governor’s Forum who doubles as the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde eulogized the virtues of Senator Adeleke and lauded the various infrastructural projects embarked upon by the Osun State Governor.
Mr. Makinde who noted that he was impressed with the various ongoing infrastructural projects in the State promised to take a queue from Governor Adeleke.
In his address, The Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke assured the people of Ede and Osun State at large that he would continue to remain the True People’s Servant , listener and an agent of good governance.
The epoch making event witnessed the presence of Former President , Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwolu, Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, The Ooni of Ile – ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, his Elder Brother Doctor Deji Adeleke, Mrs Dupe Adeleke Sanni, Former Governor of Osun, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Senator Olu Alabi , Members of the National Assembly, the Speaker ,Osun State House of Assembly, Prince Adewale Egbedun amongst other distinguished personalities.
Also, Top Political office holders across South West states of the Nation, Traditional Rulers, Captains of industries, Business moguls in and outside the nation, Leaders of Religious Bodies, Labour Unions, representatives of Non – Governmental Organizations just to mention but a few, mostly in traditional outfit to conform with the event .
The Gospel Musician, Chief Ebenezer Obey was on ground to entertain the distinguished guests at the reception.
The Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo says governors should ensure unity among the people of their state irrespective of political affiliations.
Chief Obasanjo stated this at the official commissioning of the multi-million naira modern VIP Lodge situated at the Government House, Oke-fia, Osogbo.
Describing Nigeria as a complex country but not difficult to rule, Chief Obasanjo urged Governor Adeleke to collaborate with people of good intentions to develop Osun State.
He reaffirmed that Governor Adeleke has beaten the imagination of people through his excellent performance in the infrastructural development of the State.
The Former President urged the Governor not to mind people castigating him for dancing but should combine his dancing skills with the provision of infrastructure like he is doing presently in the state.
“Some people once despised you because you are a dancer but I said only happy people dance, you are my dancing partner.
“What I have heard and saw since three days ago that I have been here If anyone is still doubting the fact that you are working, bring the person to come and see Osun himself”.
Chief Obasanjo advised the Governor to prioritize his developmental projects in line with the people’s desire, saying priorities would attract investment thereby enhancing the growth and development of the state.
While noting that Osun is one of the most peaceful states in the country, the former Nigeria President enjoined traditional rulers, religious bodies, and every resident of the state to join hands together to contribute meaningful impact to the growth of the State.
In his remark, Governor Adeleke said he is fulfilling his electoral promises by completing all abandoned projects inherited from the Former administration, noting that the VIP Lodge which was started by APC and abandoned by APC Government, was completed by the PDP administration which according to him is a way to set the standard for best practices in the State.
He said the project is meant to reduce the cost of securing hotel accommodation for guests who visit the state, emphasizing that he has completed several abandoned projects while many are still undergoing construction.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Bashir Bello noted that the construction of the building started about 12 years ago during the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola adding that the building was completed within 3 months with little funds.
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has reiterated his commitment to making the state a modern agribusiness hub in Sub-Saharan Africa, just as he promised to give more support to farmers and improve infrastructure and security with a view to attracting large investments in agriculture to the state.
He stated this in his opening remark at an event themed, “Agribusiness for Food Security Initiative”, held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, (IITA), Ibadan.
Governor Makinde noted that his government remained resolute in bringing prosperity to the state and would continue to support youths.
The governor said in his Roadmap for Accelerated Development, that he had thought of how to take the people from poverty to prosperity, noting that given the state’s comparative advantage of arable land, it was clear that embracing agriculture was the way to go, but it was also obvious that using the old method of farming would not produce the desired result.
He said, “We are a state that was doing poorly on economic indices. The internally generated revenue was low for a state that has a rich history of economic development and we are close to the nation’s commercial capital. Lagos is not far from here. Every month, they do an IGR of about N65bn and here, when we came in, it was N1.8bn but we have now managed to push it close to N4bn.
So, in terms of where we want to be, we have not scratched the surface yet.
“So, we had to find a way to stimulate the economy quickly. Our comparative advantage is the arable land. If we are to achieve accelerated development, we have to build our economy around this advantage. The 11 local government areas in Ibadan are double the size of the whole of Lagos State. So, it was a no-brainer that we have to leverage agriculture and agribusiness, but we are not content with practicing agriculture like it was done in the past.
“We need an economic solution driven by data. We need an achievable strategy powered in a new way of thinking about agriculture. One of the platforms set up to drive the new way of thinking about agriculture was the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), headed by Dr Debo Akande.
“So, I will also say that Dr Akande has been instrumental in pushing the new way of practising agriculture in Oyo State and I can tell the whole world that this is yielding dividends. To achieve this, we will focus on partnerships to drive agribusiness, working with the private sector and development organisations.”
Governor Makinde said for Oyo State to become a modern agribusiness hub in Sub-Saharan Africa would require the attraction of large investments in agriculture, adding that to attract the kind of investments needed by the state; it would need to provide adequate infrastructure and security.
He said though the state on his watch had done so well with the provision of infrastructure and security, it would still do more to buoy investors’ confidence.
Talking about the Fasola Industrial Hub, the governor said developing it had provided the state a learning opportunity that would come handy as the state embarks on building Eruwa and Akufo industrial hubs.
The governor lauded the IITA for helping the state with high-quality seeds which are propelling increased productivity in the state.
In a keynote address, a former President of Nigeria, who is also an Honorary Ambassador of IITA, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said agribusiness would play a vital role in the future of the country.
Chief Obasanjo said that the federal government should not be directly involved in agribusiness since the states have the landmass, resources, manpower, innovations and the infrastructure to develop holistic strategies for food security.
He commended the efforts of women in agribusiness and also encouraged them to do more as food security and food nutrition would go a long way in providing more employment, boost the foreign exchange, and increase in internally generated revenue.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Africa Continental Director CGIAR/ Director General IITA, Dr Simeon Ehui, said the forum was aimed at addressing pressing issues on food security and to drive positive changes by leveraging major stakeholders to ensure a sustainable future for the present and next generation.
Some beneficiaries of Oyo State Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP), Ibukunoluwa Tubi and Dolapo Opekun, lauded the initiative which has brought hope to youths. They also thanked Governor Makinde for empowering and supporting youths.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has challenged African nations to earnestly examine Western democracy with a view to identifying the shortcomings and redesigning the system to capture the continent’s peculiarities.
Chief Obasanjo gave the charge in Abeokuta at a forum tagged “Consultation on Rethinking Western Liberal Democracy for Africa” attended by prominent political leaders and academics.
The former president maintained that the Western style of democracy had failed in Africa for not considering the views of the majority of the people and suggested that Afro Democracy’ should be adopted in place of Western Liberal Democracy.
He pointed out that the weakness and failure of liberal democracy as being practised stemmed from the history, content and context, hence the need for African nations to ensure clinical review of what he described as a system of government that was “forced” on the continent.
In separate remarks, former Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and Sule Lamido of Jigawa State while acknowledging that liberal democracy in Africa was confronted with many challenges said democracy must facilitate the delivery of development outcomes to the people.
Another Speaker and Political Analyst from the University of Lagos, Professor Solomon Akinboye expressed optimism that investing in Afro-democracy would help to sustain cultural democracy in Africa and enhance the welfare of citizens.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Southwest Zone has berated a former president of the country, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for publicly disrespecting some traditional rulers in the state.
The elderly citizens who felt bad about the public humiliation asked the former president to publicly apologize to the traditional institution and desist from such immoral attitude.
The former President was reported to have ordered some monarchs to stand up and sit down during an inauguration of a road project by Governor Makinde, at Iseyin, Oyo State last week. Obasanjo has since been under attack over the act, which was considered to be an insult on the Yoruba Obas.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti, the Public Relations Officer of the union, Dr. Olusegun Abatan said the elders would not fold its arms and allow anyone no matter how highly placed to desecrate the traditional institution which is one of the symbol of the Youba culture and tradition.
“The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, South-West zone frowns seriously at this action of His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. We hope that he is going to make amends with the Obas. It is not right to denigrate the tradition and culture of our land.”
While commending the Governors in the six South-West states for being pensioners-friendly, they called for harmonization and increment in the minimum leaving pension.
“We are requesting that our governors in the South-West to please address the payments of gratuities that have amounted to billions of Naira in the various states, payment of arrears of pensions and harmonization.
“We also want our governments in the South-West to address the issue of pension because we have pensioners in all the six states of the South-West that earn as little as 350, 500, 600 in some states. Pensioners want a minimum leaving pension of up to N40,000. We want harmonization of pension.”
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has called for an end to cultural practices preventing girl-child education in the country.
Chief Obasanjo while speaking at the 2022 World Diabetics Day held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta stated that his experience on girl-child education prompted the inclusion of girl-child education as among areas of concentration for his Foundation.
He also hinted of the need for contentment in a human endeavour to reduce the risk of being Diabetic.
Chief Obasanjo while responding to questions said contentment should be key for everyone making efforts to stay alive and healthy.
Earlier, Professor Olufemi Fasumale emphasized the need for government to make policies that will promote healthy living and improve access to high-quality healthcare services.
He urged people to always maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a healthy diet and avoid taking tobacco.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi as a symbol of a nation’s epic struggle for self-discovery and self-actualisation.
Chief Obasanjo in a condolence to the Oyo State governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, stated that the late highly revered monarch was a patriotic and highly respected traditional ruler who had immeasurable love for his people.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo greeting Oba Lamidi Adeyemi
The former president said late Oba Adeyemi lived with a great faith in a united Nigeria, noting that he stood out as a voice of forthrightness in national affairs and he was a fervent promoter of mutual tolerance and understanding not only among the diverse people who live in his domain but also across the country.
Chief Obasanjo noted that the reign of the late monarch transformed Oyo Town to the modern city that it has become and as well his contribution to nation-building leading to his conferment with the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic and other honorary degrees received from some Nigerian and international educational institutions.
The former president who is presently in Ethiopia condoled with the Oyo State governor, the family of Oba Adeyemi and the entire people of Oyo on the transition of the monarch.
Former Nigeria President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the Former Secretary to Lagos State Government, Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya as a great loss.
The former president Obasanjo in a condolence message in Abeokuta said he received the death of the former secretary to the Lagos State Government with deep sorrow and that the state has been irretrievably deprived of a gem.
He said the late Owu chief was committed to the discharge of her duties as the Secretary to Lagos State Government.
The former president commiserates with the family, Lagos State Government and the people of the state over her demise, stating that her enormous contributions to the state earned her the position in the state’s public service.
She was a dutiful and hardworking fellow and gave her very best to the end in the service of Lagos State and her fatherland. Wale Oluokun
Former Nigeria President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo says he will continue to offer advice to every Nigerian with interest in the survival of the country stating that nothing will bring him back to partisan politics after his retirement.
The former President disclosed this at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library residence in Abeokuta while receiving the National Chairman of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Iyochia Ayu and members of the party’s National working committee.
Chief Obasanjo stated that he will always be interested in whatever is good for Nigeria and will continue to offer advice in the best interest of Nigeria and Africa.
The former president who recalled his membership of the PDP since inception noted that the party will continue to be part of his history and stressed that he ceased to be a member of PDP the day his ward membership card was torn.
Chief Obasanjo thanked the leadership of PDP for the visit and prayed that the new leadership of the party succeed in the task before it.
Earlier, National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu had said the party leadership was visiting the former President as a father to acquire some wisdom.
The party chairman noted that the team had come to thank former president Obasanjo for the service he rendered while in the PDP as the first president.
On the entourage of Dr. Iyochia Ayu were Former Governors Sule Lamido, Segun Mimiko, Liyel Imoke, Donald Duke, and Peter Obi among others.
Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo says the role played by late Desmond Tutu in getting the country’s debt cancelled was tremendous.
Chief Obasanjo in a condolence letter to the President of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa stated that “Over the years, Reverend Tutu had shown focused, credible, bold and purposeful leadership not just to members of the Anglican Church but to all Christians.”
The former President said Archbishop Tutu had been part of building and strengthening the Anglican Church, and also has an eminent place in the Church system in South Africa due to his selfless service and leadership.
Chief Obasanjo acknowledged the role he played in South Africa’s debt cancellation which he described as uncommon solidarity and the deep passion with which he had argued Nigeria’s case for full debt cancellation as well.
The former president said Archbishop Tutu will also be remembered for his forthrightness, doggedness, welfarism, anti-corruption stance, courage and commitment to ethical values noting that the Archbishop died with his head held high with his ministry untainted; and his integrity uncompromised.
Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has described the passage of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Olusanya Adegboyega Dosumu as painful and a great loss to Nigeria, to Ogun State and to the entire Owu people.
The former governor in a tribute made available to newsmen in Abeokuta described the late monarch as a bridge-builder, a compassionate and highly principled personality who stuck to his own convictions.
The former governor who is the Aare Ajibosin of Owu Kingdom expressed his condolence to the Balogun of Owu Kingdom who is also a former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the governor of Ogun State and the Alake of Egbaland on the sad and painful loss.
Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late former Secretary of State, United States of America, General Colin Powell as a diplomat with great understanding of Africa during his lifetime.
Chief Obasanjo in a statement in Abeokuta said late General Powell was a trusted colleague and Comrade-in-arm, whose closeness as an African-American assisted in the growth of the continent.
The former president said the tenure of office of the late former Secretary of State marked a significant departure from the traditional relations between Africa and the United States.
Chief Obasanjo noted that General Powell’s death was a great loss not only to his immediate family and to the United States of America but also to the entire world.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reinforced his faith in the unity of the country notwithstanding the current situation.
Chief Obasanjomade the disclosure while hosting the former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Penthouse residence, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
The former president hinted that he remains committed to ensuring that Nigeria is out of any form of tension.
Former Governor Sule Lamido after the meeting declared that his visit to Chief Obasanjo had reinforced his faith in the unity of the country.
The former governor, who disclosed that he had come to visit his “father and leaderč after a very long time, noted that the discussion was inspiring.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late wife of the first Nigerian military Head of State, Mrs. Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi as one who left a good legacy for her family and the entire Umuahia community of Abia State.
Chief Obasanjo in a condolence message made available to newsmen in Abeokuta said the death of Mrs. Ironsi was a big loss, not only to her immediate Aguiyi-Ironsi family, the entire Umuahia community in Abia State and country, but also to those close to her including himself.
Chief Obasanjo said the late Community leader had held the family together all this years, noting that her departure will be a great loss to the entire family of Aguiyi-Ironsi and to the Umuahia community in general.
Mrs. Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi died at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia state in the early hours of Monday at 97 years.
Former Nigeria President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has commended the people of Zambia for keeping democracy alive through a peaceful general election.
The former president in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta to congratulate the newly elected President of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema on his victory in the general election commended the people of Zambia for a successful election.
The former Africa Union Chairman disclosed that reports reaching him on the election was satisfactory and urged the new president to be magnanimous in victory.
Chief Obasanjo advised the people of Zambia to break the circle of humiliation of previous Presidents by succeeding Presidents.
Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has called for collective efforts to tackle Coronavirus.
The former president disclosed this in Abeokuta while speaking at a colloquium to celebrate his eighty fourth birthday at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.
Chief Obasanjo, who shared his Covid-19 positive experience, urged African leaders to pool their resources to get the vaccines to fight the virus.
He stressed that If Africa does not have the facilities to produce vaccine, the leadership should come together and do collective purchase of the vaccine from the producers.
The former president urged Nigerian government to continue enforcing the use of nose mask, social distancing and sanitizers as being done by countries producing the vaccines.
The colloquium organized, which was held virtually and physically simultaneously, had as its topic, “Reflection on Governance and Changes for Post – pandemic Leadership in Africa” with hundreds of online participants from Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Singapore and Nigeria.
Chief Obasanjo recalled his family’s experience of isolation between the period he tested positive and when he got another result of being negative to COVID-19, describing the experience as worrisome.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has called on Nigerians to provide credible information to the Nigeria Armed forces to enable them succeed in the fight against insurgency.
The governor made the call at a Special Church Service to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance day Celebration, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Olakunle Oluomo called on Nigerians to avail the Armed Forces the needed information to free the nation from wanton destruction of lives and property by the insurgents.
He explained that the war against insurgency requires accurate intelligence report and urged Nigerians to provide the needed support.
The governor used the occasion to appealed to the people to be mindful of Covid-19 by following laid down protocols which included regular washing of hands, the use of sanitizer, wearing of facemasks and keeping social distance considering the deadlier nature of the current wave to the previous one.
The Bishop of Remo Diocese, Methodist Church of NIgeria, Sagamu, Reverend Bamidele Ibikunle in his sermon admonished Nigerians to think of the nation first rather than personal interests.
The Reverend noted that Nigeria would be a great country if her citizens shun tribalism and live in peace with one another.
Dignitaries at the church service included; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the Ogun state Chief Judge, Justice Monsunmola Dipeolu, traditional leaders, members of the Nigerian Legion and Service Chiefs among others.
