Obasanjo @ 81: How I wish my parents were alive

NIGERIA’S former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said one of his regrets in life was the inability of his parent to witness his success story in life.

He described their deaths as “sad and regrettable, considering their sacrifices in making him what he has become as a man today.

Obasanjo said this in his remarks at a reception organised to mark his 81st birthday, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, on Monday.

He said he was convinced that his late parents would be happy in their graves with the numerous achievements he had so far recorded in life.

“One thing that saddens my heart when I remember is that my parents left this world too early. They made sacrifices and they did not wait to see the results. How I wish they have waited to see and eat fruits of their labour.

“But going by what Yoruba believe and says 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,” he said.

Obasanjo said his parents’ inability to be alive to witness the turnaround in his life was “sad and regrettable” despite sacrifices made by them to ensure his success.

He further said that the remaining of his years on earth would be for the service of God and humanity saying, “I will continue to appreciate, praise adore and worship God.

“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 a bad situation for Nigeria or any country in Africa.”

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On leadership in Africa, Obasanjo blamed Africa’s political and economic challenges on leadership deficit which he said was responsible largely for its underdevelopment and growth.

He explained that the issue of leadership, development and values should be upheld to change the paradigm shift in the area of development.

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun in his goodwill message sought for Obasanjo’s reduction in his daily activities.