By Henry Umoru, Omeiza Ajayi & Daud Olatunji
ABEOKUTA— FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has
disclosed that one of his major regrets he had in life was
the early demise of his parents, who he said did
not live to reap the fruits of their labour.
This was as the All Progressives Congress, APC, hailed
the former President on the occasion of his 81st birthday,
describing him as a bastion of democracy in Africa.
Also, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State described
Obasanjo as a nationalist and a giant in Africa.
Obasanjo, who clocked 81 yesterday, said he wished his
parents were alive to witness his growth and success in
life and to appreciate the sacrifice they made while
raising him.
The former President said this at his 81 birthday
celebration held at Marque Events Centre of the
Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta .
He, however, expressed optimism that his late parents
would still be happy in their graves till date.
His words: “One thing I always miss and remember is that
my parents left this world too early. The sacrifice they
made, they did not wait to see the results.
How I wish
they have waited to see and eat fruits of their labour.
“But going by what Yoruba believe and say that, the dead
always watch over their beloved ones and see happenings
around them, I am convinced that, my parents are happy
in their graves, as they watch over me.
“For me, this day, I have nothing but to continue to thank
God, appreciate Him, praise Him and worship Him and
adore Him for all that he has done for me personally, for
members of my family, for my extended family, friends,
peers and for those who have worked with me.”
APC, Amosun, Mark hail ex-president
In his remarks, governor Amosun described Obasanjo as
a nationalist and a giant in Africa even as he prayed that
the former President lives for 100 years and not 120 like
many people were wishing him.
He said: “Love him or hate him, there’s something nobody
can take away from him, he’s a true nationalist. Baba
loves Nigeria and I know that there’s absolutely nothing
he wouldn’t want to do for Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, the APC has hailed former President on the
occasion of his 81st birthday, describing him as a bastion
of democracy in the continent.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam
Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said: “Chief Obasanjo has
inspired a generation of Nigerians notably in the area of
entrepreneurship, leadership and education, especially
through his non-profit initiatives, the Africa Leadership
Forum, ALF, and the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential
Library.”
On his part, Senator Mark in a goodwill message through
his media Assistant, Paul Mumeh, said, “No one is in
doubt that Chief Obasanjo has demonstrated
steadfastness, uncommon commitment and faith in the
Nigerian project.”
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