History
Tinubu Hails Obasanjo On His 88th Birthda, Says He Is Extraordinary Nigerian Leader
Tinubu Hails Obasanjo On His 88th Birthda, Says He Is Extraordinary Nigerian Leader
Tinubu hails Obasanjo on his 88th birthda, says he is extraordinary Nigerian leader. Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership.
Birthday Tribute by President Bola Tinubu to Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, on His 88th Birthday
Today, as former President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo turns 88, I pay a special tribute to an extraordinary leader and statesman who has made enormous contributions to Nigeria’s development and whose life for the past six decades is woven deeply into the fabric of Nigeria’s history.
Providence has constantly thrust General Obasanjo to the forefront at critical junctures in Nigeria’s story.
He served the country meritoriously in the Nigerian Army. As a Colonel, fate beckoned on him while commanding the Third Marine Division to receive the instrument of surrender from Col. Philip Effiong, the Biafran Army Commander, signalling the end of Nigeria’s 30-month civil war.
General Obasanjo also made history as the military leader who took over the reins of power following General Murtala Mohammed’s death in 1976. He completed the administration’s transition programme and successfully handed power to a civilian regime in 1979.
Twenty years later, in 1999, he emerged as civilian president, freed from prison a year earlier, to herald the rebirth of another democratic dispensation, which recently clocked 25 years and still counting.
During the two eras, General Obasanjo implemented critical policies and reforms and made important decisions that profoundly impacted the lives of many Nigerians. As the head of state, he consistently demonstrated a selfless commitment to national unity, peace, and progress.
Out of office, only a few will deny that the former president continues to wield considerable influence among the political elite at home and is well-regarded abroad, where he is an ambassador of global peace and a troubleshooter.
His tireless efforts in conflict resolution, advocacy for good governance, and dedication to Pan-Africanism through institutions like the African Union and the United Nations are testaments to his statesmanship.
Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership.
I thank General Obasanjo for his onerous contributions to Nigeria. I commend him for his statesmanship and leadership.
Tinubu Hails Obasanjo
At 88, the former president is still gaining strength. I pray that God Almighty will grant him the grace and strength to live for more years so the nation and Africa can continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge.
On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I extend heartfelt congratulations to this great patriot. Happy 88th Birthday, President Obasanjo!
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
March 5, 2025
UNICEF Supports Establishment Of Family Court In Kebbi
UNICEF supports establishment of family court in Kebbi. The United Nations Children’s Fund on Tuesday announced that it will support the establishment of a family court in Kebbi to expedite justice at the grassroots level.
The United Nations Children’s Fund on Tuesday announced that it will support the establishment of a family court in Kebbi to expedite justice at the grassroots level.
Michael Juma, UNICEF’s chief field officer in Sokoto, disclosed this at the End of the Year Review Meeting 2025 held in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
The meeting was organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Kebbi Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
The chief field officer assured that he had discussed with the Kebbi Commissioner for Justice the necessary steps to follow in establishing a court responsible for issues related to children.
“On the establishment of a family court, of course, yes, I have talked to the Commissioner of Justice on this, and I have said that it’s something the UNICEF will support. Because this is what the UNICEF is supporting globally, because it is a way to ensure quick justice at the rural levels,” he stated.
Speaking about the availability of adequate data on children, Mr Juma observed that correct information about the child population would enable the government and teachers to have accurate figures for planning, especially for adequate budgeting of their needs.
The chief field officer commended the Kebbi House of Assembly for passing the Child Protection Bill, stating that such a move would lead to the release of some children from detention. He added that it would also lessen the rigorous trials being faced by children and assist them in being reintegrated into the larger society.
Mr Juma lauded the state government for releasing the N500 million counterpart fund for nutrition, while declaring the readiness of UNICEF to continue collaborating with the state on poverty surveys, social protection, and nutrition interventions.
Commenting on the issue of out-of-school children and the cholera outbreak, the chief field officer stressed the urgent need for all stakeholders to collaborate towards eradicating the menace.
UNICEF
He advocated for a roadmap on the WASH programme to ensure that other local government areas join Arewa and Mayama LGAs in the fight against open defecation across the state.
The executive chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Kebbi, Suleiman Khalid, cautioned various organisations at the meeting to be careful when implementing policies that might conflict with the culture, religion, and traditions of the people.
He stated that the menace of the out-of-school children and Almajiris was mainly caused by social-cultural and religious factors.
Mr Khalid decried how children and youths were migrating from villages to the urban centres in the name of seeking Islamic knowledge or in search of livelihoods.
Obasanjo, Jonathan, Others Grace Reuben Abati’s Book Launch On 60th Birthday
Obasanjo, Jonathan, others grace Reuben Abati’s book launch on 60th birthday. Reuben Abati, the ace journalist and ex-special adviser on media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, has marked his 60th birthday with the launch of three books.
The book launch, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, brought together bigwigs across Nigeria’s political and traditional landscape.
The three books are ‘How a Goodluck Jonathan Became President’, ‘Portraits: People, Politics, and Society’, and ‘A Love Letter and Other Stories’.
Mathew Kukah, Catholic bishop of the Sokoto diocese, delivered the keynote speech at the event.
Speaking at the ceremony, former President Olisegun Obasanjo praised @abati1990 for upholding the virtues of life and standing for the truth.
Recalling his 30-year relationship with the TV host, Obasanjo expressed his delight “for finding a son in Abati”.
The former president urged the Abati to pursue success as the completion of his progress.
“I am happy that in my lifetime, I have found a son in Reuben Abati, who has matured, who has progressed, and is on the path of success,” Obasanjo said.
Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine; Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, Alake of Egbaland; Maiden Alex-Ibru, the publisher of Guardian Newspapers; Nduka Obaigbena, founding chairman and editor-in-chief of ThisDay Media Group and AriseTV; and Mohammed Bello Adoke, the former attorney-general of the federation, were present at the ceremony.
Reuben Abati
Other dignitaries include Alex Otti, governor of Abia state; Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos; Simon Kolawole, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Cable Media and Publishing Limited, and actress Shaffy Bello.
Louis Odion, the ace journalist, delivered the review of the three books, while Ayo Arowosegbe gave the publisher’s remarks.
Osimhen Set New Record Beats Haalan, Mbappe, Kane
Osimhen Set New Record Beats Haalan, Mbappe, Kane. VICTOR OSIMHEN BEATS ERLING HAALAND, KYLIAN MBAPPE AND HARRY KANE TO IT
With his 3 goals against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League, Victor Osimhen now has 3 Player Of The Match (POTM) awards in a row. No other player has achieved such this season in the champions league.
Victor Osimhen has more goals and better goals ratio per minute (6 in 225mins) this season in the champions league than Erling Haaland(5 in 343mins) , Kylian Mbappe(5 in 351mins) and Harry Kane(5 in 311mins).
Victor Osimhen is the first player to score a hat trick for Galatasaray since Burak Yılmaz against CFR Cluj in 2012.
Victor Osimhen is the leading goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League this season, one more than Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.
Osimhen Set New Record
Victor Osimhen is one of the three players to have scored a hat trick this season in the champions league. Others are Kylian Mbappe and Firmin Lopez.
Victor Osimhen is the second Nigerian to score a hat trick in the UEFA Champions league, behind Yakubu Aiyegbeni who scored for Maccabi Haifa in a 3–0 win over Olympiacos on September 24, 2002.
Victor Osimhen is unrivalled
-
Crime7 months agoKogi Assembly Considers Law To Regulate Rent, Establish Control Board: Tenancy Law
-
Akwa Ibom10 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Akwa Ibom10 months agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News10 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
News9 months agoSenator Natasha Returns To Senate With Husband Amid Seat Dispute
-
News8 months agoAtiku Reveals Why He Failed To Pick Wike As Running Mate In 2023
-
Economy7 months agoKiyosaki: Is Tinubu’s Government Afraid Of Ibrahim Traore?
-
Politics10 months agoPresident Trump Changes Divorce Law, No 50% Property Shares