Former Nigerian Head of State and President Olusegun Obasanjo is celebrating his 88th birthday in style, with the public presentation of two new books.
The books are entitled “Lest we forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation” and “Nigeria: Past and the Future”.
The event, which will take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on March 5, will also feature a public lecture on slavery and colonization.
The lecture, titled “Echoes of the Past, Visions of the future: reflections on slavery and colonisation and Nigeria’s journey towards a promising future,” will be delivered by Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director General of the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs.
The celebration will also include children’s performances, drama, dances, songs, and goodwill messages from dignitaries, including His Majesty, King Mswati III, Ngwenyama of Eswatini.
The Obasanjo fact-file
Born on March 5, 1937, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, Obasanjo attended the Baptist Boys’ High School in Abeokuta and later studied at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, England.
Obasanjo had a distinguished military career, serving in the Nigerian Army and rising to the rank of General.
He played a key role in Nigeria’s civil war and later became the Head of State from 1976 to 1979.
During his military career, Obasanjo was known for his bravery and strategic thinking.
In 1999, Obasanjo was elected President of Nigeria, a position he held until 2007.
During his presidency, he implemented several economic reforms, including the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
Obasanjo also played a key role in promoting African unity and cooperation, serving as the Chairman of the African Union from 2004 to 2006.
After leaving office in 2007, Obasanjo remained active in politics and international affairs.
He has served as a special envoy for the United Nations and has been involved in various peacekeeping and mediation efforts.
He has also been a vocal critic of corruption and bad governance in Nigeria and Africa.
He is a Christian and has written several books on politics, history, and culture.
Obasanjo has received several awards and honors for his contributions to politics, peacekeeping, and international cooperation.
Despite his achievements, Obasanjo remains a controversial figure in Nigeria, with some critics accusing him of authoritarianism and corruption.