Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has sent his tribute to Olusegun Obasanjo as the former President marks his 88th birthday today, Wednesday 5 March, 2025.
Obi said, “President Obasanjo remains a deeply respected and admired Nigerian leader whose immense contributions to our nation’s growth remain immeasurable and undiminished.”
Olusegun Obasanjo was born on 5 March , 1937 in Ibogun-Olaogun, Ogun State, Nigeria; he led Nigeria as President from 1999 to 2007.
The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) added, “at the time he became President in 1999, Nigeria’s GDP was about $59Billion with a per capita of around $490, our foreign debt stock was about $32Billion and when he left office in 2007, our GDP was $278B, GDP per capita was $1800, and foreign debt reduced to $3.2B with a significant increase in our foreign reserves.”
In his tribute, Obi wrote: “Today in Abeokuta, Ogun State, I delightfully joined in the series of activities marking the 88th birthday of a revered elder statesman and father figure, President Olusegun Obasanjo. Undoubtedly, President Obasanjo remains a deeply respected and admired Nigerian leader whose immense contributions to our nation’s growth remain immeasurable and undiminished.
“At the time he became President in 1999, Nigeria’s GDP was about $59Billion with a per capita of around $490, our foreign debt stock was about $32Billion and when he left office in 2007, our GDP was $278B, GDP per capita was $1800, and foreign debt reduced to $3.2B with a significant increase in our foreign reserves.
“His true patriotism and bold sacrifices for a better Nigeria and Africa remain remarkable. His commitment to the unity of our nation has remained exceptional.
“May God grant him more healthy, fruitful, and happy years ahead, and continue to bless him always.”
