Former Nigerian president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, aka Baba of Africa today added another year to his years.
Baba is celebrating his 85-years today, 5th March.
Eminent Nigerians have also tendered their goodwill messages, wishing him good health and long life.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar congratulated his former boss while praying to God to continue to bless “this giant of Africa” with good health and that his legacies of good governance should continue to manifest in many parts of Africa.
In a statement he personally signed, Atiku, who served as Vice President during the Obasanjo presidency said, “The celebration of Obasanjo is parallel to celebrating vision of good leadership and pan-Africanism.”
Atiku adds: “The vision which Obasanjo brought into governance either as a military head of government or as a democratically elected president continues to set the pace for progressive ideals in governments across Africa.
“In the decades of the late ‘70s when almost all of Africa was covered in military dictatorships, Obasanjo set the pace for a transfer of power to civilian government in Nigeria and that singular effort began the process of democratisation across the continent.”
Former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim described Obasanjo as a foremost statesman and citizen of the world.
In a birthday message to the former President who clocked 85 today, Anyim, a frontline presidential aspirant for next year’s election said Obasanjo had demonstrated unwavering commitment to the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.
The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and staunch member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also recalled that OBJ, as the former President is popularly called, played key roles at various stages of Nigeria and Africa’s political history.
The congratulatory message, which Anyim personally signed read: “Baba! You are a true citizen of the world, an outstanding leader in Africa and our nation’s pre-eminent statesman. You have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the unity, peace and progress of our dear country, Africa and the world at large.
“You stand out as a true patriot. You have continued to give your all to see Nigeria take her place among the comity of nations, as a richly endowed country.
“You have played key roles at various stages of Nigeria’s and Africa’s political history. At all those stages, you provided visionary and principled leadership guided by deep love for and commitment to the well-being of Nigerians and the black man.
“You have remained a voice of reason, cautioning and proffering solutions as Nigeria wades through the many challenges of nation building. You have written letters, books, given lectures at home and abroad, all in the effort to communicate your thoughts and ideas on how to make Nigeria work. As a result, your stature towers on the world stage.
“Baba, I want to assure you that Nigerians appreciate you and your noble contributions to the peace, unity, progress and development of our dear country.
“God has blessed you with good health, strength and a sharp mind. May He continue to uphold you as you continue your worthy service to our dear country, Africa and the world at large.”
Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the President, of African Development Bank (AfDB) also congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday.
In a goodwill message issued on Saturday, Adesina described Obasanjo’s contributions to Nigeria, Africa and the world as exemplary.
“On behalf of myself, my wife, Grace and the entire family of the African Development Bank, I am writing to wish you a very happy 85th birthday.
According to Adesina, your life has continued to inspire.
“Your selflessness toward causes in Africa as well as global issues, have always shown that your heart and passion are to drive transformation and seek solutions to pressing development challenges facing Africa and developing nations.
“Anyone that knows you would immediately wonder how someone at your age can work several times harder than people who are half your age.
“Your passion and commitment to the younger generation are further exemplified by your always finding time and resources to encourage and support the youth, especially in agriculture.
“You have remained engaged with former Heads of State and Government across Africa, to relentlessly find solutions to challenges and mediate to resolve conflicts.
“This includes service as UN High Representative, African Union High Representative and election observer in several countries.
“I wish that I would be as strong as you when I get to your age.
“Your contributions to Nigeria, Africa and the world are exemplary.
“May God continue to grant you grace, strength and good health as you continue to provide selfless service to humanity, and especially to Africa.
“I look forward to seeing you at your 85th birthday lecture in Abeokuta to be delivered by President Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda.
