Former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 89th birthday, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most consequential statesmen whose contributions to national development will remain indelible.
Fayemi, who is the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), made the commendation in a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of his Media Office in Abuja, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh.
The former Ekiti governor paid glowing tribute to Obasanjo for his decades of dedicated service to Nigeria, particularly his efforts toward preserving the nation’s unity and advancing democratic governance across Africa.
Fayemi noted that Obasanjo played a pivotal role at critical moments in Nigeria’s history, stressing that his leadership both as a former military Head of State and later as a democratically elected President helped shape the country’s political and institutional development.
He described the former president as a towering figure in Nigeria’s public life, whose steadfast commitment to the unity, stability and progress of the nation has remained evident over the years.
According to Fayemi, Obasanjo’s impact extends beyond Nigeria’s borders, pointing out that the elder statesman has consistently championed peace, democratic values and development across the African continent.
The former governor also commended Obasanjo’s courage and forthrightness, saying his willingness to speak truth to power has continued to enrich national discourse and strengthen democratic culture in the country.
“As he marks his 89th birthday, I join family members, friends, associates and countless admirers across Nigeria and the world in celebrating a life devoted to service,” Fayemi said.
“We remain grateful for his sacrifices and his continuing role as a mentor to many within and outside public life,” he added.
Fayemi prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the elder statesman and wished him many more years in good health, wisdom and strength in continued service to Nigeria and humanity.
