Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor of oil rich Delta state, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, have extolled the leadership qualities of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he clocks 79 on Saturday, March 05, 2016.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s immense contribution to the growth of Nigeria has helped in stabilizing democracy in the country, which many generations will be grateful for.
Buhari made this assertion while felicitating with the former President as he turns 79 years old on Saturday, and was contained in a statement signed by his spokesman – Femi Adesina.
The statement reads, “The president affirms that the former president, who is approaching the octogenarian cycle, has contributed immensely to the institutionalization of democracy in Nigeria and Africa through his personal sacrifice, extensive local and international networks, and God-given wisdom,”
“President Buhari believes that Chief Obasanjo’s place in global history is assured for successfully handing over power to a civilian government in 1979 after serving as a military head of state, and returning to power in 1999 through elections to stabilize the polity, during which he most remarkably negotiated a debt relief for Nigeria.
“The president warmly commends Chief Obasanjo’s vision and commitment to the growth of Nigeria and Africa, which translated into a historic growth rate of 6 percent for the Nigerian economy after a long period of slow growth, and also created a rippling effect that buoyed other African economies.
“As he turns 79, the president avers that the former president’s regular shuttles across Nigeria and Africa to counsel on economic, social and political issues, and his willingness to head election monitoring teams that have heralded smooth transitions in many countries are legacies which generations will remain grateful.
“President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant the Balogun of the Owu lineage, who is also the Ekerin Balogun of the Egba clan, long life and strength to continue his service to humanity.”
In a similar development, Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has felicitated with former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as he turns 79 years.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, Governor Okowa, prayed for the continued grace of good health and mind for Chief Obasanjo.
“Chief Obasanjo, undoubtedly, exudes an inspiration very much needed at this stage of Nigeria’s socio-political and economic development and it is not for nothing that God has kept him as one of Nigeria’s guides” Governor Okowa noted.
Okowa who observed that Chief Obasanjo does not beg issues said Nigeria needs such forthright leader, at all levels, if the country will see itself out of the woods of its myriad of challenges.
He recounted Chief Obasanjo’s bold developmental legacies that dotted the Nigerian landscape from his days as a military Head of State and as the civilian President between 1999 and 2007 and charged current leaders, both at the federal and state levels, to buy into the elder statesman’s philosophy.
“Dear Chief Obasanjo, the remarkable achievements of your first and second sojourns as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are indelible in the Oil & Gas, Steel, Banking as well as the Communication Sectors of the Nigeria Economy.
“In a life that has seen you become a Statesman amidst your achievements in public service and political endeavours, there is great cause for you, members of your family, your many associates, protégés and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His benevolence upon you”.
“As you deservedly celebrate this landmark, it is my prayer that Almighty God continue to bless you with robust health and many more years of happiness.
“I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past 79 years of a life of forthrightness and outstanding patriotism with which He has blessed you.”
According to Aniagwu, the governor wished Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a very happy 79th birthday celebration and prayed that God Almighty grant him many more years of good health and strength to continue with his devotion to making Nigeria and Africa a better place for the people and all who live in it.
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