Olusegun Obasanjo
Olusegun Obasanjo
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Olusegun Aremu Mathew Okikiola Obasanjo GCFR is a Nigerian politician who has also been known as President Obasanjo. He was born with the first name "Aremu" but later changed it to "Olusegun".
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on March 5, 1937, Olusegun Obasanjo is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nigerian by nationality, President Obasanjo's profession is a politician. He has also been an army officer and served in various capacities including as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Early Life and Background
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Olusegun Obasanjo was born in Owu Kingdom, Ogun State, to a farmer named Chief Mudasiru Obasanjo. He grew up in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he received his primary education before proceeding to the Nigerian Military Training College (now known as the Nigerian Defence Academy) in Kaduna.
Obasanjo's early life was marked by challenges, including poverty and limited access to quality education. However, this did not deter him from working hard and pursuing his dreams. He excelled in school and later enlisted into the Nigerian Army in 1958 at the age of 21.
Major Accomplishments
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President Obasanjo's military career was marked by significant accomplishments, including:
Participation in the Nigerian Civil War: President Obasanjo played a crucial role in the country's civil war as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Second Division.
Head of State: In 1976, he became Nigeria's Head of State after leading a successful military coup that overthrew the government of General Murtala Mohammed, who was killed in an assassination attempt. As head of state, Obasanjo introduced several reforms aimed at modernizing the country and improving its economy.
Democratization: President Obasanjo is often credited with helping to transition Nigeria from a military dictatorship to a democratic government.Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works and actions of President Obasanjo include:
Establishment of the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS): As president, he introduced NEEDS, an economic development strategy aimed at improving Nigeria's economy.
Peacekeeping Efforts: Obasanjo has been a strong advocate for peace and has participated in several international peacekeeping missions.Impact and Legacy
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Olusegun Obasanjo's impact on Nigerian history is undeniable. He played a crucial role in the country's transition to democracy, and his leadership laid the foundation for Nigeria's current democratic dispensation. His commitment to promoting peace and stability not only within Nigeria but also globally has earned him recognition and respect from around the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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President Obasanjo is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Visionary Leadership: As president, he demonstrated a clear vision for Nigeria's future, which helped shape the country's development trajectory.
* Commitment to Peace and Stability: His passion for peace and stability has made him a respected figure in international circles.
His quotes are often sought after due to their insight into leadership, governance, and the importance of promoting peace and stability.
Quotes by Olusegun Obasanjo
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge that our foreign friends are welcome to join in our endeavor to develop the resources of our country.
Femi Fani Kayode is my boy. Provide him food, he will eat and then sing for you. He’s a smart boy
If you deceive me once shame on you because I have trusted you once and you have deceived me, if you deceive me twice shame on me because I have learnt my lessons and you have deceive me and if you deceive me for the third time shame on me because am a compound fool.
Democracy should be nurtured and sustained in Nigeria and in our part of the world
North and south must also adopt measures to arrest the growing phenomenon of illegal capital flight and the repatriation of illicit wealth siphoned abroad by corrupt political leaders and their collaborators back to their countries of origin,
Yet there comes a time in the life of a patriot when abdication would amount to a betrayal if not outright treachery.