Colourful Hero @ 77

Olusegun Mathew Okikiola Àrèmú Obasanjo, GCFR, is no doubts a personality even Nigerian babies can identify with - a living historic figure. Born March 5, 1938 in Ogun State Baba Iyabo as he is fondly called had his childhood in Owu, Abeokuta. Today @ 77, the former Army General who was also the civilian president of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, has come a long way from where he started.

The elder statesman's life from the beginning of his military career in 1958 till date has been full of battles - won and lost. However, like a priceless gold transformed by the heat of life, Obasanjo is an undisputed champion.

 

Olusegun Obasanjo has had so many memorable moments that shaped and redefined Nigeria's history. During the Nigerian Civil War, he commanded the Army's 3 Marine Commando Division that took Owerri; consequently bringing an end to the civil war. He became the first military head of state to  transfer power peacefully to a civilian government when he handed power to Shehu Shagari on October 1, 1979.

During the dictatorship of Sani Abacha (1993-1998), Obasanjo was imprisoned after he spoke out against the human rights abuses of the regime. He was, however, released from detention upon the sudden death of Abacha in June 1998.

An elected president of Nigeria in 1999, Olusegun Obasanjo became the first re-elected president of Nigeria in 2003, and remains a reputable and well respected elder statesman till date.

 

Call him what you may, he has made a mark on the footpath of life. Though he may have his ups and downs, he is human after all - blood and water flowing through his body. Today, the 5th day of March, 2015, we celebrate a living iconic hero; a true Federal Character:

Happy 77th birthday 🎂, Baba Obasanjo - you are indeed a CoLoUrFuL HeRo!