Obasanjo lists regrets at 81

Obasanjo has said his parents early death and inability to witness the turnaround in his life was "sad and regrettable" despite sacrifices made by them to ensure his success.

The former President made this disclosure in his remarks at the celebration of his 81st birthday anniversary held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta.

"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 lamented.

The former President, however, remarked that his consolation was in the popular Yoruba believe that, "the dead always look behind" and that the parents would be happy for the success story so far for him.

"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 emphasised.

On his birthday, Obasanjo pointed out that he would continue to appreciate, praise adore and worship God, just as he commended all those who worked and still working with him, describing them as loyal aides.

Obasanjo also called on the need by all to serve humanity, noting, " it is when humanity is serve that, one can serve God. I did not believe that God has created bad situation for Nigeria, or any particularly country in Africa.

"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 at the well-attended ceremony, "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.

To him, "we need Obasanjo’s intervention. At present, Nigeria is in rare distress. And it is my prayer that God will use you abundantly on where to go in the country."

The Ogun State governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun in his goodwill message sought for Obasanjo’s reduction in his daily activities, nothing that often times he marvelled at his work rate.

"I call and he is at home, the next minute, he say he’s in Botswana another minute, he’s in Europe and I wonder where is the energy coming from. Baba now that you are now 81, we want you to reduce your activities," Amosun urged.