The apex socio-cultural igbo group, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide joins the numerous admirers of His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, PhD, GCFR in felicitation as he turns 85 on March 5, 2022.

The group who made known their felicitation in a press statement made available to UGAMATV by Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, stating that “It has pleased the Almighty to reward Chief Obasanjo for the invaluable services he has rendered to humanity at the various stages of his life.

“In his track record of accomplishments, both in the armed forces and civilian life, Obasanjo displayed courage, selflessness, prudence and upright dispositions. He has at various times demonstrated remarkable charismatic inter-ethnic relations, sacrifice, large heart, heroism and candour.

“Obasanjo has made immense contributions to the socio-political development of Nigeria in particular and the entire Africa in general. It is by a rare providence that he served twice as the Nigerian Head of State; as a military officer from February 1976 to October 1979 and as a democratically elected President from May 1999 to May 2003. In both instances, there were several milestones that generations yet unborn will continue to savour.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo recalls with fresh nostalgia, the far reaching policy that defined the Obasanjo civilian administration, one of which was to hunt Nigerian talents wherever they were found, irrespective of gender, ethnic or religious persuasions.

“It was such a competence driven administration that harvested the robust intellect of notable Igbo sons and daughters, such as Professor George Obiozor, Professor Dora Akunyili, Dr Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Dr. Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, Professor Osita Ogbu, Frank Nweke Jr, Professor Charles Soludo, Arc. Ferdinand Agu, Ojo Maduekwe among others.

“There is no gainsaying it takes an extra-ordinary insightful leader to identify innovative personalities that are necessary for sustainable national development; and there lays the critical choice between wealth and poverty; progress or regress; virtuous or vicious circle-a path to either enviable inclusive political institutions or the avoidable extractive political dynamic.

“One of the most cherished among the Obasanjo persona is the uncommon courage of his innermost convictions and an unwavering commitment to his set goals, even when he is a lone voice.

“Furthermore, the enigmatic Obasanjo does not only speak truth to power, he has in a few occasions sacrificed his life and comfort zone in lion’s den for the benefit of the Nigerian masses. He is unarguably one of the most outstanding contemporary Nigerians.

“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo expresses immense gratitude to Obasanjo for standing on the path of justice, equity and fair play in favour of an Igbo for the president of Nigeria come 2023. Evidently, Baba sees beyond 2023. This is a rare statesmanship which is in short supply in most parts of the Third World. These and more account for the global demand for the Obasanjo services even at his old age.

“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Professor George Obiozor salutes this distinctive intellectual, engineer, author, brave soldier, politician, trail-blazer, visionary and detribalized Nigerian with an immense sense of humour. It is the prayers of Ndigbo that Your Excellency will live long to enjoy the fruit of your lofty dreams for a united, stable and prosperous Nigeria”, he concluded.