Tinubu hails Obasanjo at 89, salutes his sacrifices for Nigeria

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 89th birthday on Thursday, 5 March, praising the elder statesman’s “towering influence” in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu rejoiced with Obasanjo, highlighting his courage and sacrifices. “The President notes the courage and sacrifices of the elder statesman, who 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 statement said.

Tinubu recalled Obasanjo’s historic roles, including leading troops during the civil war to preserve Nigeria’s unity, enduring imprisonment for opposing tyranny, and advancing Africa’s political and economic interests.

As Obasanjo marks this milestone, the President commended his ongoing contributions. “Chief Obasanjo turns 89, and President Tinubu acknowledges 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,” the release added.

Tinubu extended prayers for the nonagenarian’s future. “The President prays for more years of good health, strength and wisdom for the former president as he continues to serve the nation and humanity.”

Obasanjo, a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey, handed power to civilians in 1979 after his military tenure and won elections in 1999 to lead the country through turbulent times.