Former President Olusegun Obasanjo marked his 88th birthday on March 5, 2025, with a grand celebration at The Delborough Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event attracted a host of distinguished guests, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; and former Senate President Bukola Saraki and his wife, Toyin. Traditional rulers such as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and business magnates like Razaq Akanni Okoya and his wife, Shade, were also in attendance. Notable socialites, including E-Money, Obi Cubana, and Cubana Chief Priest, graced the occasion, adding to its prominence.
In honor of Obasanjo’s milestone, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lauded him as an “extraordinary leader and statesman,” acknowledging his significant contributions to Nigeria’s development. Tinubu highlighted Obasanjo’s pivotal role in ending the Nigerian Civil War in 1970 and his leadership in transitioning Nigeria to civilian rule in 1979. He also praised Obasanjo’s tenure as the democratically elected president in 1999, which ushered in the Fourth Republic, now in its 25th year. Beyond his presidency, Obasanjo has remained influential in global peace initiatives and diplomatic engagements across Africa and beyond.
As part of the birthday festivities, Obasanjo unveiled two new books: “Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation” and “Nigeria: Past and the Future.” The book launch featured a public lecture delivered by Professor Eghosa Osaghae, Director General of the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, titled “Echoes of the Past, Visions of the Future: Reflections on Slavery and Colonisation, and Nigeria’s Journey Towards a Promising Future.” The celebration also included performances by children, drama, dances, songs, and goodwill messages, with His Majesty, King Mswati III, Ngwenyama of Eswatini, in attendance.
The event underscored Obasanjo’s enduring legacy and his continuous impact on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, reflecting a life dedicated to service and nation-building.
