Olusegun Obasanjo

Date of Birth: March 5, 1937

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: (Leave blank if the person is alive)

Biography

Olusegun Obasanjo is a renowned Nigerian statesman, military leader, and diplomat who has played a significant role in his country’s political landscape. Born on March 5, 1937, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Obasanjo rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in African politics. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1958 and quickly climbed the ranks, playing a key role during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. Obasanjo first came to national prominence when he became the Head of State of Nigeria from 1976 to 1979 following the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. During this period, he was instrumental in transitioning Nigeria to civilian rule. After retiring from the military, Obasanjo became an international statesman, notably working with the United Nations and other global organizations. In 1999, after years of military rule in Nigeria, Obasanjo was elected President in Nigeria’s first democratic elections in over a decade. He served two terms from 1999 to 2007, during which he focused on economic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and improving Nigeria’s international standing. He remains an active figure in African politics and diplomacy.

5 Interesting Facts about Olusegun Obasanjo

1. Olusegun Obasanjo was the first Nigerian military leader to voluntarily hand over power to a civilian government.

2. He holds a Ph.D. in Theology from the National Open University of Nigeria, which he achieved later in life.

3. Obasanjo is an accomplished author with several books to his name, including his autobiography “My Watch.”

4. He was imprisoned from 1995 to 1998 by the regime of General Sani Abacha on charges of plotting a coup but was released following Abacha’s death.

5. Obasanjo founded the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the first of its kind in Africa, to preserve his legacy and promote peace and development.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Olusegun Obasanjo

1. “The problem of Nigeria is not the problem of resources, but the problem of management.”

2. “I am not a perfect person, but I have always tried to do the best I can in the service of my country.”

3. “Leadership is not about the next election, it’s about the next generation.”

4. “Africa does not need strongmen, it needs strong institutions.”

5. “There is no alternative to democracy. We must nurture and sustain it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Olusegun Obasanjo’s net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 billion.

Children

Olusegun Obasanjo has several children, among them are: – Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, a former Senator in Nigeria. – Olujonwo Obasanjo, a businessman and public figure. – Dare Obasanjo, a software engineer and manager at Microsoft.