Buhari Congratulates OBJ As He Clocks 79

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Friday, March 4th, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), as he turns 79 years old Saturday, March 5, 2016.

Mr. President in a statement by his SA on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adeshina affirmed that the former president, who is approaching the octogenarian age, 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 believed that 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”.

He commended the former Military Head of State on his vision and commitment to the growth of Nigeria and Africa, which translated into a historical 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.

President Buhari avered 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 were legacies which generations will remain grateful.

President Buhari prayed that the Almighty God will grant the Balogun of Owu lineage, who is also the Ekerin Balogun of the Egba clan, long life and strength to continue his service to humanity.