My birthday celebrates God’s grace, says Obasanjo

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

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…Africa’s biggest challenge is leadership — ex-president

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By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

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Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday described his 89th birthday as a moment of gratitude to God, saying the celebration was more about appreciating divine grace than marking age.

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Obasanjo said longevity should be viewed as a blessing and an opportunity to remain useful to humanity and the nation, stressing that age alone should not define a person’s relevance or capacity to contribute to society.

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The former president spoke during his 89th birthday celebration and the maiden Founder’s Day of the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI), held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

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“Age is just a number. What we are celebrating today is the grace of God,” Obasanjo said.

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The event also featured the graduation of 10 principals and vice-principals from Ogun State and Oyo State who completed a three-month training programme in School Leadership and Management at the institute.

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Dignitaries at the ceremony included Dapo Abiodun, his deputy Noimot Salako‑Oyedele, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun and Pat Utomi, among others.

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Speaking on Africa’s development challenges, Obasanjo said the continent’s biggest problem was not a lack of resources but a shortage of visionary leadership.

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According to him, Africa is richly blessed with human and natural resources but often suffers from a deficit of principled leaders capable of transforming societies.

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“The greatest challenge facing our nations is not a shortage of money, land or intellect. Africa is richly blessed with all three. What we often lack is leadership,” he said.

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He noted that poor leadership weakens institutions, fuels corruption and limits opportunities for young people, forcing many to seek better prospects abroad.

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Addressing the graduating participants, Obasanjo said the leadership institute was established to nurture a new generation of leaders equipped with vision, discipline, integrity and courage.

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“If there is one lesson I have learned, it is this: a single well-formed leader can change the course of history. One leader with vision, discipline and integrity can transform a community, rescue an institution and redirect a nation,” he said.

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He described the graduates as ambassadors of leadership tasked with strengthening institutions and promoting integrity in public life.

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“Your certificate is not merely a document. It is a mandate — a reminder of the responsibility you carry to serve, to lead with integrity and to help build stronger institutions for our societies,” he added.

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Obasanjo also appreciated the institute’s partners, staff and governing board for supporting its vision, noting that the institution would continue expanding its leadership development programmes across Africa.

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“Africa’s best days are not behind us. They lie ahead — and they will be built by leaders like you,” he said.

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In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun described Obasanjo as a living example of leadership, public service and national responsibility.

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Abiodun said the former president’s life demonstrates that national development depends on strong institutions and leaders willing to act beyond personal interests.

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He recalled that several reforms introduced during Obasanjo’s presidency between 1999 and 2007 helped reposition Nigeria’s economy and strengthen public institutions.

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According to him, the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, banking sector reforms and major transformations in the telecommunications industry were among initiatives that laid the groundwork for a more structured economy.

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He added that the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy also contributed to fiscal discipline and public sector reforms during that period.

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Abiodun further noted that Obasanjo’s influence extends beyond Nigeria through his role in international diplomacy and conflict mediation across Africa.

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Delivering a lecture titled “The Global Africa Enlightenment: From Chains to Renaissance,” the Haitian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to South Africa, Jean Robert Pillard, said history binds people together while culture reminds humanity of its shared identity.

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He described the concept of Global Africa Enlightenment as a call for the renewal of African civilisation through shared heritage and collective action.

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Also speaking, the Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, described Obasanjo as a role model for many Nigerians and Africans.

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He added that generations yet unborn would continue to benefit from the former president’s contributions to the development of Nigeria and the African continent.

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