Obasanjo At 81, Regrets Missing Parents

Former President, Obasanjo

Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who clocked 81 in March 5th, has expressed regrets for missing his parents too early in life.

He paid glowing tributes to his late parents for their efforts and sacrifices they made, but could not wait to reap the fruits of their hard labour.

At a ceremony hosted to celebrate him at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, he said: “One thing I always miss and remember is that my parents left this world too early.

“The sacrifice they made, they did not wait to see the results. How I wish they had waited to see and eat fruits of their labour.

“But going by what Yoruba believe and say, that the dead always watch over their beloved ones and see happenings around them, I am convinced that my parents are happy in their graves, as they watch over me.”

However, the former president of Nigeria promised to dedicate the reminder of his time on earth to serve humanity and praise God.

He said: “We must be able to serve humanity, if we can’t serve humanity, we can’t serve God. I do not believe God had created bad situation for Nigeria, or any particular country in Africa. If things are not going right, we must blame ourselves.”

The dignitaries who graced Obasanjo’s 81st birthday ceremony include: former president of Switzerland, Ruth Dreifuss, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Ambassador Mary Khimulu, Prof Jummah Shabani of Burundi, Former African student leader from Ghana, Fred Auwwa; NACCIMA president, Iyalode Alaba Lawson; Sharif Ishola and Akin Osuntokun; Former Osun state governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Prof Akin Mabogunje, Mr Christopher Kolade, among others.