President Muhammadu Buhari Congratulates Obasanjo As He Clocks 79 Tomorrow

President Muhammadu Buhari has heartily congratulated former
President of Nigeria and elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), as he
turns 79, tomorrow, March 5, 2016.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and
Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President affirms that the former president, who
is approaching the octogenarian cycle, has contributed immensely to the
institutionalization of democracy in Nigeria and Africa through his personal
sacrifice, extensive local and international networks, and God-given wisdom.
Continue below to read the press statement in parts….

President Buhari believes that Chief Obasanjo’s place in
global history is assured for successfully handing over power to a civilian
government in 1979 after serving as a military Head of State, and returning to
power in 1999 through elections to stabilize the polity, during which he most
remarkably negotiated a debt relief for Nigeria.

The President warmly commends Chief Obasanjo’s vision and
commitment to the growth of Nigeria and Africa, which translated into a
historical growth rate of 6 percent for the Nigerian economy after a long
period of slow growth, and also created a rippling effect that buoyed other
African economies.

As he turns 79, the President avers that the former
president’s regular shuttles across Nigeria and Africa to counsel on economic,
social and political issues, and his willingness to head election monitoring
teams that have heralded smooth transitions in many countries are legacies
which generations will remain grateful.

President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant the
Balogun of the Owu lineage, who is also the Ekerin Balogun of the Egba clan,
long life and strength to continue his service to humanity.