Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, marked his 89th birthday on Thursday, March 5, 2026, with a leadership lecture, reception and the maiden Founder’s Day of the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute. The event also featured a graduation ceremony and was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The lecture, themed “Global African Enlightenment: From Chains to Renaissance,” drew dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
Delivering the keynote address, Haiti’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to South Africa, Jean Pillard, advocated for Haiti’s full membership in the African Union. He said the occasion was not merely a birthday celebration but also a recognition of Obasanjo’s enduring legacy and influence across Africa.
“Today, we celebrate not mainly your birthday, but the legacy, a life that has become a continent’s conscience. What better place than here in Nigeria, a land whose soil remembers impact, whose spirit shapes the Diaspora, and whose people remain the pulse of a pan-African future,” he said.
Pillard further called for stronger unity among Africans and people of African descent around the world.
“Let us proclaim what history has whispered — that Africa is one, not because borders say so, but because blood and memory do. The children of Africa, wherever they stand, should no longer be visitors to their own civilisation,” he added.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, praised Obasanjo’s leadership qualities and contributions to national development. He noted that national progress depends on strong institutions and leaders willing to look beyond immediate personal interests.
Abiodun added that the theme of the lecture reflects Africa’s historical journey from colonial domination to the continent’s continuing quest for dignity, development and progress.
In his remarks, Obasanjo decried the lack of effective leadership in Nigeria, noting that poor leadership weakens institutions, fuels corruption and limits opportunities for young people, forcing many to seek better prospects abroad.
“The greatest challenge facing our nations is not a shortage of money, land or intellect. Africa is richly blessed with all three. What we often lack is leadership,” he said.
Addressing the graduates, the former president described them as ambassadors of leadership who have been tasked with strengthening institutions and promoting integrity in public life.
A major highlight of the event was the graduation and award ceremony for 10 principals and vice-principals from Ogun and Oyo states who completed a three-month training programme in School Leadership and Management at the institute.
Tributes were also paid to Obasanjo by political leaders, traditional rulers and other notable dignitaries.
Guests at the event included Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako‑Oyedele; former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso; former governors of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun; the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu‑Gambari; and political economist, Pat Utomi.
Others in attendance were the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; former senator, Florence Ita‑Giwa; founder of Chisco Group and Havila Air, Chidi Anyaegbu; former Minister of Industry, Nike Akande; former Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, among others.
