Former President Olusegun Obasanjo celebrated his 83rd birthday on Thursday, March 5, in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
Obasanjo disclosed that he was forced to adjust events lined up to mark his birthday due to coronavirus outbreak.
The Herald gathered that the former president who made this known on Thursday while addressing well-wishers in Abeokuta said: “When we were thinking of this celebration, two programmes came to mind.
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“One was to see what Asian countries have done to make their continent become what they have become, for instance, Malaysia, which was worse than us when we got independence; South Korea which was below us and Vietnam which was plunged into series of wars.
“We would have spent the day before yesterday and yesterday to really consider how the Asians have risen to greatness. And what lessons we could learn from them but because of Coronavirus, that programme was shelved. Some of them were not able to make it.”
In a related development, President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed Former President Olusegun Obasanjo for dedicating his life to humanity.
This was contained in his congratulatory message as Obasanjo clocked 83.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the president commended his predecessor for leading a life of total commitment to Nigerian nationhood while standing up for democracy across the African continent.
Buhari added that Obasanjo’s life has been marked by courage, dedication, and service to the world.
He wished the celebrant long life in good health and strength.
“President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm greetings to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 83rd birthday, March 5, 2020, congratulating him for a life of courage, dedication and service to Nigeria, Africa, and humanity in general.
“President Buhari joins family members, friends and associates of the former president in celebrating the milestone, adding that Chief Obasanjo’s commitment to Nigerian nationhood remains outstanding and commendable, while also underscoring his sacrifices for the continent, including standing up for democracy in many countries.
“As the former president celebrates the auspicious occasion, President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant him longer life, good health and strength to keep serving the nation and the continent,” the statement read.
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