The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute has marked its maiden Founder’s Day in honour of its founder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who celebrated his 89th birthday on Thursday.
The celebration, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta on Saturday, highlighted Obasanjo’s decades of leadership and his continued advocacy for ethical and visionary leadership across Africa.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by a media consultant to the Deputy Chief Executive of the institute, Professor Adedeji Daramola, Prof. Elvis Otobo, the occasion underscored the former Nigerian leader’s enduring legacy of service, leadership, and institution-building.
Speaking at the event, Obasanjo described his 89th birthday as a moment of reflection and gratitude.
“This day is more about the grace of God than about age. Llongevity should be seen as a responsibility to continue contributing to society,” he said.
Reflecting on his decades in public service—from his role during the Nigerian Civil War to his leadership in government and international engagements—Obasanjo stressed that Africa’s major challenge remains the quality of leadership.
He argued that the continent’s difficulties stem less from a lack of resources and more from a deficit of visionary leadership and strong institutions.
