Abeokuta,the Ogun State capital,on Saturday,recorded yet another first as world leaders gathered for the official commissioning of the official commissioning of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Complex,the first of its kind in Africa.
Speaking at the event,which drew attendance from several former and serving Heads of State,Acting President of Nigeria,Prof. Yemi Osinbajo,described Chief Obasanjo as a rare human being who has the opportunity to write and document history through the establishment of the Presidential Library.
The acting President said history documentation is a way of preserving lessons,successes and failures of the past for present and future development.
The Acting President further revealed that one of the enduring legacies of former President Obasanjo is the fact that he is one detribalized Nigerian with a strong belief in national unity.
In her remarks,the Chairperson of the Grand opening of OOPL and ECOWAS chairperson,President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia disclosed that when history meets with technology,hisstory becomes life for human development,which African children would learn from.
President Johnson-Sirleaf who commissioned and unveiled the plaque called on African children,youths and scholars to visit the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library and feel and interact with the life and times of the distinguished son of Nigeria and enjoy the nature,culture and history of Africa.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf added that Africa must develop the capacity of her people to learn from the past with a view to creating a better future of her growth and development.In his welcome address,Chief Obasanjo who is also celebrating his 80th birthday said,'' one of the purpose of the library is to sustain our culture and encourage tourism''.The former President also revealed that the library project is aa combination on a dream and vision which began in 1988.
Speaking earlier,the host Governor,Senator Ibikunle Amosun,described former President Obasanjo as a titan and Icon of Nigeria and indeed Africa.Governor Amosun who described the Presidential Library Complex as a centre for socio-political,spiritual,educational and all round development,said it would be an added advantage to those who are ready and willing to learn.Some of the former and serving Presidents of Africa nations and other dignitories who were part of the grand commissioning include Presidents Faure Gnassingbe of Togo,Ernest Koroma pf Sierra Leone,Nana Akufo-Ado of Ghana,Prince Michael of Kent-United Kingdom,Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan,Abdulsalami Abubakar,Chief Ernest Sonekan and Former President,John Kuffor of Ghana.Others include serving and former Governors,senators and ministers among others.
Dignatories were earlier led through a guided tour of the museum which showcased artefacts that define the sojourn of former President Obasanjo including his military regalia,helicopter,bicycle,motor car and among others.
Signed
Adejuwon Soyinka
Senior Special Assistant {Media}
Ogun State Governor
March 4,2017.
More photos below.
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