Let’s Celebrate Ourselves, Obasanjo Tells Nigerians

The former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has called on Nigerians to celebrate themselves at all times. He said this on Thursday in Abeokuta at a ceremony organised in honour of His Lordship, Josiah Odowu-Fearon, on his appointment as the Secretary-General of the World Anglican Communion. Obasanjo said Nigerians should not wait for outsiders to celebrate them, adding that Nigerians have always been celebrated from people outside the country. He said, “We should celebrate ourselves all the time. Nigerians have always been celebrated by outsiders. We should try to
honour ourselves like what we are doing here today.'' Fearon, who said his relationship with the former President dated back to the 70s, also urged Nigerians to shun anything that could endanger the unity of the nation. While he described Obasanjo as a true national leader, Fearon called on Nigerians to shun religious violence and emulate the former President who though a Christian, built a mosque at his presidential library complex, in Abeokuta. Also calling on Nigerians irrespective of religion to embrace one another, he stressed that “we serve only one God with different approaches.'' He urged the Yoruba in the South-West to teach their northern counterparts how people of all faith should live in harmony. He, however, advised Nigerian youths to emulate Obasanjo by cultivating the culture of reading, who he noted, would soon complete his Ph.D programme. The dignitaries at the event include Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Senator Tunde Ogbeha and a presidential aspirant of All Progressives Congress, Sam Nda-Isaiah.
Punch