President Bola Tinubu has congratulated ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 89th birthday, describing him as an elder statesman whose “towering influence” continues to shape Nigeria, Africa, and the wider global community.
The President commemorated Obasanjo’s 89th birthday on March 5 in a statement released on Wednesday and signed by his special advisor to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said he “felicitates former president and elder statesman Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on his 89th birthday,” rejoicing with the former leader, “whose towering influence in the country, Africa, and beyond is significant.”
The President mentioned the courage and sacrifices of the elder statesman, recalling that he “previously served the nation as military head of state from 1976 to 1979, handing over power to a civilian president in 1979, and later as the first civilian president in the Fourth Republic, 1999–2007.”
The former leader’s historic experiences, such as “leading troops to preserve Nigeria’s unity at the war front, serving time in prison for speaking out against tyranny, and consistently pursuing Africa’s political and economic interests,” were further confirmed by Tinubu.
The president recognized “the zeal and wisdom he has brought into Nigeria’s development process through his books and regular interventions, revealing a depth of patriotism to nation-building” on Obasanjo’s 89th birthday.
“More years of good health, strength, and wisdom for the former president as he continues to serve the nation and humanity” is what Tinubu prayed for.
