Tinubu celebrates Obasanjo’s 89th birthday, praising his enduring influence on Nigeria, Africa and global affairs

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 89th birthday, describing him as an elder statesman whose towering influence continues to shape Nigeria, Africa and the wider global community.

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In a statement issued to mark the milestone and signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu said he felicitates with the former leader as he marks his 89th birthday on March 5.

President Bola Tinubu rejoiced with Olusegun Obasanjo, noting that the former president’s impact within the country and beyond remains significant.

The President recalled that Olusegun Obasanjo previously served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1976 to 1979, overseeing the historic transition to civilian rule in 1979, and later returned as the first civilian president in the Fourth Republic from 1999 to 2007.

President Bola Tinubu also highlighted the former leader’s wartime role in preserving Nigeria’s unity, his imprisonment for opposing military rule and his consistent advocacy for Africa’s political and economic interests on the global stage.

As Tinubu celebrates Obasanjo’s 89th birthday, the President acknowledged what he described as the zeal and wisdom the elder statesman has continued to contribute to Nigeria’s development process through his books and regular public interventions.