Obasanjo lists regrets at 81
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo listed some of his regrets in life as he celebrated his 81st birthday.
Top on the list, he said, was that his parents were not alive to reap the fruits of their labour. He also listed poor leadership in Africa among his major regrets.
The former president spoke at the celebration which took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Abeokuta yesterday.
“One thing I always miss and remember is that my parents left this world too early. The sacrifice they made, they do not wait to see the results. How I wish they have waited to see and eat fruits of their labour,” Obasanjo said.
“But going by what Yoruba believe and say,” the former president continued, “the dead always watch over their beloved ones and see happenings (OOPL), around them. I am convinced that my parents are happy in their graves, as they watch over me.”
On his 81st birthday, Obasanjo said he would continue to appreciate, praise and worship God, just as he commended all those who worked and are still working with him, describing them as loyal aides.
Obasanjo also called on the need by all to serve humanity, noting, “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.”
According to Obasanjo, who had guests from Botswana, Kenya and Ghana, “we must blame ourselves in Africa for the poor leadership we found ourselves.”
Earlier, a member of the Board of Trustees of the OOPL, Prof. Akin Mabogunje had described Obasanjo as the needed elixir for Nigeria’s problem.
Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, in his goodwill message, sought for reduction in Obasanjo’s daily activities, noting that often times he marvelled at his work rate.
“I call and he is at home, the next minute, he says he’s in Botswana. Another minute, he’s in Europe and I wonder where the energy is coming from. Baba now that you are 81, we want you to reduce your activities,” Amosun said.