Headline

Pendulum: Are Nigerian Youths Truly Ready to Run or Just Ranting?

Published

7 years ago

September 7, 2018

Eric

By Dele Momodu

Fellow Nigerians, let me start on a personal note today by repeating a story you are probably familiar with. Anyone who has followed my trajectory a bit would have heard this story for the umpteenth time. I moved to Lagos from the ancient city of Ile-Ife in 1988 at the age of 28. I had spent most of my adult life in the historic township but suddenly reached a dead end when I could not even find a job of a teacher, with a Master’s degree in Literature-in-English. All my friends had something to do except me. It wasn’t that I was dull or lazy, but there was embargo on appointments and promotions in higher institutions at the time.

Let’s now fast forward. I started writing articles at the behest of my best friend, Prince Adedamola Aderemi, who was teaching Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University and my pieces soon ignited fire in the Sunday Tribune and The Guardian and I became known here and there. Due to joblessness, I was advised to try my luck elsewhere in Ibadan or Lagos. My preference was to work at The Guardian newspapers, but I couldn’t secure a job at Rutam House. I was then introduced by my late friend, Onukaba Adinoyi-Ojo to the Editor of African Concord magazine, Lewis Obi, who agreed to employ me instantly. But this is not the main story. The meat of it is that I was reluctant to work at Concord Group, which was owned by Chief Moshood Abiola. And my grouse was based totally on unsubstantiated stereotyping and false stories that ignited raw sentiment and foolish emotion in me.

Chief Abiola had been demonised by several powerful forces. His major offence was his opposition to Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Presidential ambition in 1979, and the role played by the Concord media conglomerate in not supporting a man who was practically deified in Yorubaland. Abiola was thus seen to have committed heresy and had to be nailed to the cross. But by far the most potent and lethal attack came from the one and only irrepressible Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who produced and released a monster hit, International Thief Thief, in which he called Chief Abiola all manner of unprintable names. I still don’t have details of what led to their skirmishes. Of course, as a Fela devotee, we never saw anything good in Abiola thereafter, and we blocked our minds to ever liking a man who we were told was an oppressor, a religious fanatic and a looter of Nigeria’s wealth. We never bothered to crosscheck the facts or fiction but we believed everything hook, line and sinker. Truth was I secretly admired the man and wished I could be like him but hearsay made us dislike him. It was hunger that saved me from hating a man I did not know.

The first lesson I learnt was that hunger does not discriminate. There is a Yoruba saying that “when you are hungry enough, you will accept food from your enemy.” I was too hungry for a job to have a choice, so I accepted the Concord offer most reluctantly but with automatic alacrity. The second lesson came after I resumed work at Concord. Contrary to the rumour that Chief Abiola was a religious bigot, I discovered that he was too liberal to force his faith on anyone or group. He was totally detribalised and gave everyone his due. The closer I got to him, the more I gained insight into one of the greatest Nigerians that ever lived. I became a fan, and later his adopted son. I decided to join hands with others to rescue his battered reputation which were actually firmly rooted on the altar of politics and personal squabbles. It was such an uphill task because negative perception is often most difficult to change. But I thank God for the uncommon opportunity to come close to Chief Abiola, a rare privilege that made it possible for me to purge my mind and soul of acquired and accumulated bile.

Since then, I have remained on the side of caution and tolerance. Journalism has also taught me to mellow down my temperament in dealing with people. I have imbibed the legal aphorisms that you must always listen to the other side and that a man is innocent until proven guilty. Moreover, I have been able to differentiate between my routine job and my personal opinion. I realised that many journalists have failed, and still failing spectacularly, because they could not distinguish between the business of journalism and their personal sentiments. For example, journalists are seen and expected to be the lamb of God who take away the sins of the world while all other professions and careers are at liberty to do business with everyone, including saints and sinners. The fact that Thisday or Punch newspapers report government activities daily or transact business with different governments does not mean they can’t write opinions and editorials against the same government they had promoted or projected, if and when the government is misbehaving. It is the height of illiteracy, and hypocrisy, to treat the people you criticise as enemies and vice versa. The very essence of freedom of speech and democracy is to speak to power as a corrective measure and not as vendetta. Thereafter, you must let the music play on.

My major baptism of fire came after Ovation International agreed to cover the weddings of General Sani Abacha’s daughters, Zainab and Gumsu, in Kano. Many people queried why I would attend the event of a family that nearly ruined my family and many others. I was expected to remain eternally bitter and vengeful and not many realised that I had a job to do, dispassionately, and that vengeance belonged to God. On a lighter and positive note, the Abacha government did me a favour by forcing me out of Nigeria. Ovation would never have been born if I was not in exile. Such is life. Yet someone said Ovation must die for committing such hara-kiri by attending the wedding that was covered by virtually all media organisations in Nigeria. I have great news for you. Despite the blistering attacks, Ovation did not just survive, we sold out completely. Both friends and enemies of the Abacha family wanted to see the content of that special edition that warranted and attracted such fatwa. The ways of God are not the ways of Man.

Later as I came across several books and articles on the life of The Madiba, Nelson Mandela, I could not imagine how a man who spent 27 years in prison could come out of jail, become President and yet display such unprecedented magnanimity by eschewing every act of vindictiveness and vengeance. I was so touched and realised the true worth of a Christian life is that he must forgive his enemies seventy times seven times, according to the instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ. The main lesson I wish to draw our attention to is that being bitter, oftentimes, is a waste of time and energy. Many things can be achieved through passive resistance and gentle persuasion.

The aggression and anger I see all around today is the main reason for this epistle and sermon. Many of our youths have lost it. The only form of expression they love and enjoy is to hide behind computers and smartphones to launch unbelievable attacks on people they see as their enemies. It does not matter if they lack any iota of proof or evidence, everyone, every politician, every successful man, even if he has never served in government or received contract awards, every journalist who cannot practise kill-and-go type of journalism is their enemy. Every interview or report on someone they don’t like, and don’t want to read about, attracts verbal and written assaults. Logic has been thrown to the dogs. Too many incoherent analyses have taken over. Many are experts in every topic or subject. Suddenly, the elders know nothing, but the kids know everything. This development should be worrisome to all right-thinking people. Cyber-thuggery has virtually and finally taken over.

The new trend is that politicians no longer campaign with facts about their performance. Their efficacious strategy is to set the proletariat against the privilegentsia, by telling the poor that the rich is the reason they are impoverished. People have been so brainwashed that many have stopped aspiring to greatness because of this glamorisation of poverty. Gone are the days when leaders promoted prosperity and downplayed penury but today politicians gloat about how they have succeeded in killing the businesses of corrupt people with the attendant collateral damages to millions of dependants and the nation. In branding, whatever you emphasise about yourself repeatedly is what would be remembered about you subsequently. Yet government is not able to provide alternative means of livelihood to those multitude of paupers roaming the streets. Government may win elections using this crude methodology but the country will ultimately lose the battle to terrorism and self-immolating violence.The young men and women who assist government in perpetuating this parody are merely doing themselves a great disservice. The jobs, and the good life they desperately crave will never come when the economy ultimately collapses on all due to unguarded utterances. I’m yet to see any country that deliberately de-markets, and unrepentantly scandalises, itself like Nigeria.

Our youths who have been moaning that they are “not too young to rule” would rather dissipate energy and resources on wars of attrition instead of working hard on how to take power from the ancient leaders they’ve always grumbled about. The enemies of the youths are the youths themselves. The old people have mastered how to keep them manacled and enslaved perpetually. The youths would never support any of their own. When you aspire to the highest office, the same youths would say you are too young and inexperienced. If you plead for donations, they would ask why you want to contest when you have no money of yours or even ask you to pay for their support. If you ask the youths to step down for one of their strongest aspirants, they would refuse even if they already signed a memo of understanding to agree on a consensus candidate. If you ask them to follow a young man who has sufficient experience and exposure to modern ways of running a democratic government, they will tell you he is a rogue and looter (the most abused word in the Nigerian lexicon) and cannot be trusted with power, as if nations are governed by saints and not by performers. When you lose election, the same youths will tease you endlessly about how many votes you got, as if that would improve their lives. There is nothing you can do or try that would please the generality of our youths. It is like we have been completely hypnotised and mesmerised and sentenced to eternal servitude. Or could it be a curse?

Nigeria parades some of the most brilliant youths on earth but we have not been able to propel one to the highest office like America did for a first generation American, who was in his early forties, Barack Obama. From what I foresee, in the near future, Nigerian youths are neither ready nor prepared to grab the mantle of leadership from the geriatric generation they claim to loathe but obviously love and support, blindly or inadvertently.

Really tragic.

AT HOME WITH THE GOVERNOR OF NAIROBI MIKE SONKO

I was honoured to be invited to the country home of the Governor of Nairobi, Hon. Mike Sonko. The occasion was the third memorial service for his beloved dad, Mr Gideon Kioko Kivanguli (1949-2015). I was privileged to lay the wreath at a special mausoleum constructed for the great man.

I’ve been in Kenya countless times and have met several politicians, including the Vice President, Mr William Ruto (born December 21, 1966). I’m yet to meet the the two term President, Mr Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, a businessman, and son of Kenya’s first President, Pa Jomo Kenyatta, who was born on October 26, 1961. I’m older than both of them. No matter my experience or exposure and personal success in my chosen career, it would be difficult, if not near impossible, to attain such spectacular feats in my dear country Nigeria. Kenyans did not vote for them, twice, because they thought they were saints from heaven. Kenyans voted because they represent the future they envisage for their country. As a matter of fact, both leaders attracted so much controversies before attaining power, but they managed to weather the storm. You must salute their wisdom in reaching out to the Opposition and healing their divided nation.

As for the Governor of Nairobi, he was born on February 27, 1975, a year before I wrote my WAEC examination. He was also a businessman before he ventured into politics. He controls the Kenya’s largest city, a megacity like Lagos State in Nigeria. His popularity is unbelievable. He loves Nigeria very dearly and hopes to tap into the boundless energy and the never-say-die spirit of Nigerians. I was touched by his respect and kind and generous words for Nigeria, and Lagos city in particular. He told me he has heard so much about the ongoing beautification in Lagos and he looks forward to linking up with his counterpart, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in the near future.

I met several other young politicians in the course of my visit this week, and it was such an eye opener. I’m hoping that our own youths would end their complacency and take the bull by the horns.

It is not impossible…

Headline

Bella Disu: The Rise and Rise of a Boardroom Guru

Published

7 days ago

March 9, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Nigerian women have shown resilience, strength and character in administration, government and entrepreneurship, contributing more than their quota, and giving vent to the growth and development of the nation’s socio-economic sector. Among them is the Executive Vice Chairman of the A-list communications outfit, the Globacom Group, Mrs. Bella Disu.

A strong purpose-driven professional and boardroom guru, whose administrative skills, intellect, experience and academic trajectory have remained a subject of reference, Bella, as she is fondly called, is a woman, who though has a privileged background, carved a niche for herself, climbing through ladders and cadres to get to where she presently is, and more importantly, can boast of the desired leverage and ability to defend her position.

Born Belinda Ajoke Adenuga, on May 29, 1986 to the duo of Emelia Adefolake Marquis, a Nigerian entrepreneur, and the global phenomenon, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., Bella received her early education in Lagos, at the prestigious Corona School in Victoria Island before enrolling at Queen’s College for her secondary education. In 1998, she transferred to Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, where she concluded her secondary education.

She proceeded to the University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations, and later, a Master of Science degree in Leadership from the Northeastern University, also in Boston.

In 2004, Disu joined her father’s Globacom, and consistently rose through the ranks to become the Executive Vice Chairman of the company. She is also a non-executive director with the construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

In April 2010, Bella took a break to solemnize her romantic relationship with her heartthrob, Jameel Disu, a venture capitalist, and both formalized their union in a fairytale wedding that is still the talk of the town, almost 15 years after.

As phenomenal and weighty as her family name, Bella dropped, and picked up completely her husband’s name, signifying undying love and loyalty. That’s still the name she bears till date. Both are blessed three wonderful children.

In 2019, the French Government awarded Disu the Chevalier dans ‘l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in recognition of her efforts in promoting French culture.

In January, 2021, Abumet Nigeria Limited announced her appointment as Chairman of its Board of Directors. Abumet Nigeria Limited maintains worldwide partnerships with reputable manufactures and maintains a state-of-the-art production facility, located in FCT Abuja, fully equipped with cutting-edge machinery and technology.

Abumet is a subsidiary of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, and a leading solutions provider for the planning, processing and installation of aluminium and glass products, from single standard windows to sophisticated facades and large-scale design masterpieces. She replaced Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, upon his resignation from the board. Bella is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Management of Nigeria (MNIM) and the Institute of Directors of Nigeria (MIOD).

In addition to her French National Honour if Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres (“CAL”), and currently the Executive Vice- Chairman of Globacom Limited, she is also the Chief Executive Officer of Cobblestone Properties & Estates Limited, and a Director on the Board of Mike Adenuga Centre.

In less than four years of her leadership, Abumet’s profits, according to Billionaire Africa, surged 307% in 2024, marking a major turnaround from losses in 2021.

The paper reported of her exploits as follows: “As a Non-Executive Director, she helped boost Julius Berger’s revenue to N566.2 billion, pushing it into Nigeria’s top 50 listed firms.

“At Abumet, Disu is driving innovation in façade technology, deploying unitized curtain walls for improved insulation and energy efficiency in Nigeria’s construction sector.

“Nigerian business executive Bella Disu has led Abumet Nigeria Limited, an innovative glass and aluminum manufacturing company, to record-breaking earnings, with profits quadrupling at the end of the 2024 fiscal year. Her leadership has not only steered the company back to profitability but has also reinforced the business acumen that runs deep in the Adenuga family.

“In a LinkedIn post, Disu, who has served as chairman of Abumet since 2021, shared the company’s turnaround: “Abumet is reaching new heights, and I’m excited to share our latest achievements. I am especially proud of the remarkable turnaround we’ve achieved—transforming from a loss in 2021 to delivering a 307 percent increase in profit in 2024.

“At just 38, Disu has earned her place among Africa’s top executives under 40, proving her ability to drive business success while steadily stepping into the legacy of her father, billionaire Mike Adenuga, who ranks among the continent’s wealthiest individuals with a fortune of $6.8 billion. She took over as chairman of Abumet’s Board of Directors in January 2021, succeeding Bamanga Tukur at a time when the company was struggling with steep losses.

“Since then, Disu has orchestrated one of the most impressive corporate recoveries in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. Under her leadership, Abumet returned to profitability by the end of the 2022 fiscal year, bouncing back from the impact of COVID-19 and the financial challenges of 2021. The company sustained its profit in 2023 before posting a fourfold increase in 2024.

“Reflecting on this achievement, Disu credited the success to strong leadership and teamwork: “This success is the result of strategic leadership at the Board level, the dedication of our management team, and the collective effort of every Abumet employee.”

“Bella Disu expands Abumet’s market reach
As a 90-percent subsidiary of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Abumet plays a key role in the construction giant’s success. Bella Disu, who also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Julius Berger, has played a ‘much more’ active role in driving growth in the building solutions sector. By the end of the 2024 fiscal year, Julius Berger’s revenue rose from N446.1 billion ($296.4 million) in 2023 to N566.2 billion ($376.2 million) in 2024.

“Profit after tax also increased from N12.74 billion ($8.5 million) to N14.97 billion ($10 million), boosting the company’s market capitalization on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) to N202.1 billion ($134.3 million). This has placed Julius Berger among Nigeria’s top 50 publicly listed firms, ranking 35th on the NGX.

“Under Disu’s leadership, Abumet has strengthened its market position by expanding its sales and marketing efforts. The launch of its Lagos sales office has helped grow its market share for made-in-Nigeria window and door solutions, while its EVONIGGLASS insulated glass brand has gained wider recognition. Despite market challenges, the company has posted record-high revenue and profits, exceeding expectations.

Abumet deploys energy-efficient curtain walls

Looking ahead, Disu is focused on pushing innovation in advanced façade solutions, leading Abumet’s efforts in glass and aluminum manufacturing.

“Abumet is deploying unitized curtain walls that will completely envelop the façade, ensuring not just aesthetic excellence but also enhanced energy efficiency through modern insulation technologies,” she said.

With a strong record of turning businesses around and driving growth, Disu is cementing her leadership in Nigeria’s business world. Her influence now extends beyond construction, telecommunications, and real estate into the country’s broader manufacturing sector, where she continues to make a lasting impact.”

Bella’s trajectory in the world of enterprise is a clear case of the demystification of the proverbial a tree cannot make a forest’, as she has conscientiously turned tables around wherever she found herself, bring in new ideas, new innovations and structural discipline that completely overhauls a system for all the positive outcomes.

Hers, is a case of continuous rise in the business world, and the home front. She is a better definition of a virtuous woman, and at less than 40 in age, the sky holds no barrier to how much more Belinda Ajoke Olubunmi Disu nee Adenuga could achieve in the coming months.

Congratulations ma!

Headline

Nigeria’s Who’s Who Joins Otedola to Turn Sod for FirstBank’s 43-Storey New Headquarters

Published

1 week ago

March 6, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Conducted in an atmosphere of class, beauty and wholesome networking, the event drew the likes of the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, as the special guest of honour.

Other dignitaries that graced the occasion were the governors of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and former governor of Delta State, Mr. James Ibori.

Also joining the retinue of the first class citizens were the Ghagoury brothers; Gilbert and Roland, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Mr. Deji Adeleke, Mustapha Ndimi, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Tunde Folawiyo, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce, Chief Dele Momodu and a host of white cap chiefs, who represented the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiotu.

Known for its penchant for creating firsts, the Nigeria’s premier and leading money deposit bank, as well as financial institution of choice, the bank is set to deliver a state-of-the-art edifice, described as the first of its kind in Nigeria, the West African subregion, and by hindsight, in the entire African continent.

It is also reported that on completion, the edifice will house a variety of facilities that will buttress, and toe the line of the Eko Atlantic City original manuscript, and lend candour to the skyline and nightlife of the exclusive city.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Nigeria, Mr. Segun Alebiosu, had remarked in a statement that the building is a significant milestone and an ambitious project set to be an engineering and environmental delight due to its technologically advanced, eco-friendly and sophisticated construction that would set a new standard for the financial services sector in Africa.

“The groundbreaking ceremony signifies the beginning of a transformative journey that reinforces FirstBank’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

“We are proud to mark this significant milestone in our journey towards excellence. Our new Head Office is envisioned as a world-class structure that represents our dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.

“We believe that this development will play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and development across Africa, creating long-term value for all our stakeholders,” Alebiosu said.

The statement by the bank further revealed that the new headquarters is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring a green-certified building that reduces operational costs, and positions the bank as a leader in sustainable banking practices.

In his welcome address however, Alebiosu said that “The groundbreaking ceremony is a momentous occasion for us to redefine our commitment to position solidly as the bank for the future. Therefore, this new headquarters is not just about a modern architectural masterpiece; it is reimagining banking for generations yet unborn. It will serve as a hub for financial innovation, digital transformation, and operational excellence, ensuring that FirstBank remains ahead in an era where technology is reshaping activities.

“Situated in the heart of Eko Atlantic City, the iconic FirstBank headquarters complex, a 43-story edifice, will become the tallest building in Nigeria upon its completion.”

In his speech, the chief host, who is also the Chairman FirstHoldCo, Mr. Femi Otedola, praised the resilience of his FirstBank team, the Chagoury brothers for ‘creating land’ for Nigerians, stakeholders and the banking community, who have supported the FirstBank brand in 131 years of existence.

He noted that the gathering highlights the importance of collaboration and support from various sectors in bringing ambitious plans for the new headquarters to life.

“I appreciate the CBN for its efforts in sustaining the stability of the Nigerian financial services industry. I commend the Chagoury Group for their commitment to the infrastructural growth of the Nigerian economy. Worthy of note is that Chagoury has always been an inspiration and business model to me. I have personally felt that the creation of Eko Atlantic City is the ninth wonder of the world, coming after the eighth wonder, which is the Dangote Petrochemical City. These two wonders continue to reaffirm that Nigeria is indeed a great nation.

“To our customers and stakeholders of the bank, we must constantly be reminded that FirstBank is and will continue to be a legacy to behold. We shall continue to invest in cutting-edge technology, vibrant human capital, strategic partnerships, and customer-centric innovation that will define banking globally even as we detail our footprint across Nigeria, Africa, and the world. Thank you all for being a part of our rich heritage as we unveil this iconic building that will serve as the engine room of the bank’s next phase of dominance in the financial services sector and efforts to contribute our quota to the financial inclusion,” Otedola said.

The gathering was boosted by goodwill messages from stakeholders present including governors Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun and Aiyedatiwa. Other goodwill messages were delivered by Senator Danjuma, Mr Folawiyo, Alhaji Dangote, Mr. Adeleke and others.

In his charge, Sanwo-Olu ssaid, “First Bank, as usual, has led the way. I want to thank the visionaries who created a new city that will be Africa’s model city that all of us will be proud of. Mr. Femi Otedola, well done, well done to your board, well done to your management, and CBN Governor, thank you for the approval. We want you to give other financial institutions approval as well. There is space for them as well.”

One of the hallmarks of the event was the presentation of certificate to the FirstBank group by the Governor Sanwo-Olu, on behalf of the Lagos State government, to authorize commencement of construction.

In his keynote address however, the special guest of honour, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, lauded the building as representing and symbolising Nigeria’s ambition and progress.

“Today we lay the foundation for a monumental structure in Nigeria’s financial landscape, the First Bank iconic tower, a symbol of our nation’s progress and ambition. This tower will stand as a testament to our economic strength and vitality. The tower, which will be the tallest building in West Africa at 40 stories upon completion, is a symbol of confidence in our country’s future. For 130 years, FirstBank has been a pillar of our economy, empowering businesses, supporting families, and driving financial innovation. FirstBank has extended its reach from Lagos to London and all around major financial centres worldwide, proudly flying Nigeria’s flag on the global stage.

tower will symbolise ambition and excellence in Eko Atlantic, an investment that consolidates Lagos as a leading financial hub and showcases the dynamism of Nigeria’s private sector.

“As president, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where significant investment and transformative projects like this can thrive through bold economic reforms, strategic public-private partnerships, and infrastructure development. We are ensuring that Nigeria once again becomes the top destination for investment,” Shettima said on behalf of President Tinubu.

The event of the day was concluded with the turning of the sod to signify commencement of building activities for the 43-storey ambitious project, which will change the landscape of the Eko Atlantic City, banking industry and architectural intelligence.

Headline

Olusegun Obasanjo: Celebrating Africa’s Influential Leader at 88

Published

2 weeks ago

March 4, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, arguably, is the most influential African alive. He would have been the second most influential if the Madiba Nelson Mandele still lives.

Obasanjo has transcended generations of greatness ever since he joined the army as a career soldier, fighting in the Nigeria/Biafra Civil War before testing political power as the Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters to the then Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, and then becoming the Head of State in 1976 following the assassination of General Mohammed. He was in charge between 1976 and 1979 when he handed over to Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

Obasanjo has been described as one of the great figures of the second generation of post-colonial African leaders, and has received praise both for overseeing Nigeria’s transition to representative democracy in the 1970s and for his Pan-African efforts to encourage cooperation across the continent. He however, remains the most senior in Nigeria’s political leadership, behind General Yakubu Gowon.

A two-terms civilian president and former military head of state, Olusegun Obasanjo, has celebrated his 88th birthday, looking fit as a fiddle, and throwing banters among protégé, associates and leaders of thought, whobare his mentees.

As usual, Obasanjo’s birthday celebration was multi-faceted, and like every other year, accommodated praises and worship, get-together and sumptuous dinner among others, thereby igniting the Obasanjo Farm home of the former leader, located in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and the awesome The Delborough in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The birthday celebrations kickstarted with a special Global Breakfast Prayer session, which was in its 61st edition, on Saturday, March 1, 2025. It was a time of spiritual renewal and upliftment with representatives from about 29 countries in attendance both on ground and virtually.

The prayer session was facilitated by the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, South West Zone, Bishop T. Akin-Akinsanya, and moderated by Rev. (Engr.) A. Ojeshina, with prayer and worship sessionsed by the Gatekeepers Worship Team.

Much as it was a spiritual exercise, the aura of greatness Obasanjo is known for was visible as ministers of God from different nations participated in the prayers, reflecting Chief Obasanjo’s far-reaching influence and the deep respect he commands across the globe, and well as the awesome glory to God for sparing his life for 88 eventful years.

Everyone, who was given an opportunity to share his thoughts about the African leader spoke glowingly, acknowledging Obasanjo’s role in fostering diplomacy, African development, and visionary leadership. Notable among these ministers that attended were Ven. O. Ogunremi from Kenya, Pastor M. Nwanegbo from Belgium, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, Bishop E. Adekunle, Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi, Apostle M. Oluwajoba from the United States of America, Dr. Juliet Hammond from the United Kingdom, and Bishop David Bakare.

The following day, the party shifted to Chief Stanley Ugochukwu’s The Delborough on Victoria Island where the creme de la creme of the society gathered to fete the octogenarian. They young entrepreneur was also present at the event.

Dignitaries at the dinner included former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Koroma, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo and Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The event also drew an impressive lineup of business heavyweights, including Chairman of Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu; the CEO of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema; E-Money and his brother, Kcee, and Obi Cubana, Cubana Chief Priest and renowned entrepreneur, Chief Rasaq Okoya.

The occasion underscored Obasanjo’s lasting influence in Africa, especially Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. Dignitaries, who took turns to extol the respected leader, harped on his leadership, contributions to national development, and his roles as a statesman.

Beyond speaches on the night, the event created an atmosphere of conviviality, camaraderie, networking and catching up, as distinguished guests shared fond memories, banters and experiences of working with the elder statesman. The birthday proper is scheduled for March 5.

It would be recalled that in 2024 in commemoration of the 87th birthday, Obasanjo unveiled a new book, titled: “The Art of Leading: Unconventional Wisdom from Biblical Leaders.”

In his tribute to the former president, Atiku took to his X account to share moments from the occasion, and expressed appreciation for Obasanjo, who is his former boss, and described the gathering as a momentous celebration.

“I joined others at the dinner hosted by my former boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, at The Delborough Hotel, Victoria Island, in Lagos,” he wrote.

Born on March 5, 1937, in Abeokuta, Obasanjo, who is arguably Nigeria and Africa’s biggest political brand, served as President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, during which time he played an instrumental role in bringing democracy back to the Nigeria.

His political and economic sagacity within the period has remained a reference point for subsequent administrations both in Nigeria and the African continent.

He was Chairperson of the African Union from July 2004 to January 2006, and was inducted by the UN as Special Envoy for Africa in 2008. Since then, he has overseen elections in countries across the African continent on behalf of the African Union and ECOWAS.

A man, who draws accolades, and sometimes criticisms as result of his fearless position on issues of both continental, regional and national importance, Obasanjo has received praise both for overseeing Nigeria’s transition to representative democracy in the 1970s and for his Pan-African efforts to encourage cooperation across the continent.

The Wikipedia captures Obasanjo’s personal life as follows:

Ethnically, Obasanjo is Yoruba, a cultural identification he reflected in his speech and choice of clothing. However, he always foregrounded his Nigerian identity above his Yoruba one, repeatedly stating that “I am a Nigerian who happens to be a Yoruba man. I am not a Yoruba man who happens to be a Nigerian.”

Throughout his life he expressed a preference for rural over urban life. He has been a lifelong teetotaller. He has been characterised as having a sense of discipline and duty, and emphasised what he saw as the importance of leadership. He was meticulous at planning, and Iliffe called him an “instinctively cautious man”. Obasanjo always emphasised the importance of deferring to seniority, a value he had learned in childhood. Iliffe described Obasanjo as a man with “great physical and intellectual energy” who “exercised power with skill and ruthlessness, sometimes unscrupulously but seldom cruelly”. Derfler similarly stated that, although Obasanjo could appear “boorish and dull”, he had a “sharply perceptive mind” and the capacity to be “tough and ruthless”. He had, according to Iliffe, a “remarkable capacity for work”. He was cautious with money, living modestly and seeking financial security by investing in property. He is softly-spoken.

In his sixties, Obasanjo would regularly work 18 to 20 hour days, getting very little sleep. He would start each day with prayers. Obasanjo suffers from diabetes and high blood-pressure. He enjoyed playing squash.

Obasanjo’s writings after his imprisonment reflected his commitment to Biblical literalism. He called the Darwinian theory of evolution a “debasing, devaluing and dehumanising” idea. After his release from prison his writings placed far less emphasis on traditional culture as a guide to morality, calling on fellow Nigerians to reject much of their pre-Christian “way of life”. Iliffe noted that Obasanjo’s born-again Christianity was “strikingly orthodox” and was aligned with Orthodox Pentecostal teaching. He rejected the prosperity gospel that was taught by some Pentecostalists in Nigeria.

Providentialism also became a key part of his worldview after his imprisonment.

In addition to a variety of other chieftaincy titles, Chief Obasanjo is the holder of the title of the Olori Omo Ilu of Ibogun-Olaogun.

A prolific writer and author of many books, Obasanjo is not a stranger to awards and honours as he has them in endless list.

A father to many children, including Iyabo Obasanjo, one of his children, Adeboye Obasanjo, took after him, and is presently a Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army.