President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 89th birthday.
In a message marking the milestone on March 5, President Tinubu described Obasanjo as an elder statesman whose influence has been felt in Nigeria, across Africa, and in the wider international community.
The President noted the former leader’s years of public service and the roles he played at different stages of Nigeria’s history. Obasanjo first served as Nigeria’s military Head of State between 1976 and 1979. During that period, he supervised the transition to civil rule and handed over power to a civilian government in 1979.
Two decades later, he returned to power as Nigeria’s elected president at the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999 and served two terms until 2007.
President Tinubu also recalled Obasanjo’s role during Nigeria’s civil war, where he commanded troops during the conflict fought to preserve the country’s unity.
The President further referenced the period when the former leader was imprisoned after speaking against military rule, describing it as one of the defining moments in his public life.
According to the statement, Obasanjo has remained engaged in public affairs even after leaving office, frequently contributing to national discussions through books, public commentary, and participation in international forums.
Tinubu acknowledged the experience and perspective the former president has brought to conversations on Nigeria’s development and Africa’s political and economic future.
The President also commended Obasanjo’s continued interest in national and continental matters, noting that his views and interventions have remained part of public discourse.
As the former president marks his 89th birthday, Tinubu wished him good health, strength, and wisdom in the years ahead.
The President said he hopes Obasanjo will continue to play a role in national and global conversations that concern governance, peace, and development.
The congratulatory message was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
