Olusegun Obasanjo Quotes

Powerful Olusegun Obasanjo for Daily Growth

About Olusegun Obasanjo

Olusegun Mathew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo, GCFR, born on March 5, 1937, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, is a prominent Nigerian statesman and writer who served as the President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007. Obasanjo's political journey began during Nigeria's civil war (1967–1970) when he served as a military commander under General Yakubu Gowon. After the war, he was appointed as the Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing in the Gowon administration. In 1975, Obasanjo took over as Head of State following a coup d'état that ousted Gowon. He led the country until 1979 when he handed over power to Shehu Shagari after Nigeria returned to civilian rule. Obasanjo was elected as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1999, serving for two terms until 2007. His presidency was marked by economic reforms, anti-corruption campaigns, and efforts to stabilize the Niger Delta region. However, his tenure also saw controversy, including allegations of human rights abuses and political repression. A prolific writer, Obasanjo has authored several books. His first book, "My People, My Race and Myself" (1979), is a reflection on his life and experiences during the civil war. Other notable works include "Notes of a Nigerian Ex-President: My Watch" (2015) and "The African Way: A Call for African Renaissance" (2003). Obasanjo's influence extends beyond Nigeria, as he has been actively involved in regional and international politics. He served as the Chairperson of the African Union from 2004 to 2006 and remains a prominent figure in Nigerian and African politics. His legacy is marked by his political acumen, resilience, and commitment to Africa's development.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The future is not a place we're going to, but a place we're creating."

This quote emphasizes that the future is not a predetermined destination, but rather a construct of our actions, decisions, and collective efforts in the present. It encourages us to proactively shape our destiny by working towards positive change and progress today. In other words, we have the power to create the future we desire through persistent effort and forward-thinking.

"There is no permanent friendship or enmity in politics. It is all about interest."

This quote by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasizes that in politics, relationships are often temporary and influenced by mutual interests. In other words, political friendships and rivalries are not constant or enduring but can shift based on the goals or objectives at hand. It suggests that political actors prioritize their own ambitions and the pursuit of power over personal feelings or loyalties.

"Leadership is a service, not a monopoly of position."

This quote highlights that leadership isn't solely tied to occupying a specific position or title; rather, it's about serving others. It emphasizes the idea that anyone can demonstrate leadership qualities, regardless of their formal role in an organization or society. In essence, Obasanjo encourages us all to look beyond our titles and aim to make a positive impact on those around us, thereby exercising true leadership.

"The biggest miracle in the world is to be able to eat up a plate full of food in times of plenty and still be hungry for more."

This quote by Olusegun Obasanjo suggests that even when one has ample resources or opportunities (represented by a "plate full of food"), the human desire for more is insatiable, particularly in times of abundance. It metaphorically implies that despite fulfilling our physical needs, there remains an emotional or psychological hunger within us, constantly seeking satisfaction or progress. This could be applied to various aspects of life such as career, relationships, or personal growth.

"Africa will not be free until the whole continent is free. No part of it can be at peace and the other part in turmoil, and expect to live in peace and prosperity."

This quote underscores a fundamental truth about unity and shared destiny among African nations. Obasanjo argues that the liberation and prosperity of Africa as a whole depend on the freedom and peace of every part of the continent. Just as individual health cannot be maintained in a body with unaddressed illnesses, neither can Africa thrive if any region remains in turmoil or conflict. This insight calls for collective action and cooperation among African nations to ensure their mutual progress and well-being.

Corruption, the greatest single bane of our society today.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Today, Society, Single, Corruption

If I am not above the law, nobody in this country can then claim to be above the law.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

I Am, Law, Country, Claim

Let me make a solemn pledge before all of you, before the whole world and before God, that I will devote all my energy and all I possess in my power to serve the people of Nigeria and humanity.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Before, Devote, Nigeria, Solemn

Pope John Paul II not only visited Nigeria twice but stood by the country in its fight against dictatorship and injustice.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Injustice, Country, Pope, Dictatorship

We will work to bring an element of stability to the price of oil.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Work, Will, Oil, Stability

Unfortunately, the true force which propels our endless political disputes, our constant struggles for political advantage, is often not our burning concern for democracy, it is often of our dedication to the principle of the rule of law.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Constant, Principle, Which, Disputes

Fighting corruption is not a one-night affair.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Fighting, Corruption, Affair

My joy knows no bounds... I will devote all my energy and all the powers available to me to the service of Nigeria and humanity.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Will, Devote, Nigeria, Bounds

My gut feelings and my faith tell me that until God shuts a door, no human can shut it.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Door, Shut, Gut, Feelings

Nigeria has no business with poverty. With our human and material resources, we shall strive to eradicate poverty from our country.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Business, Country, Nigeria, No Business

We regard America and Europe as old friends. We keep old friends, but we make new friends in Japan, India, and China.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

New, Old, Japan, Old Friends

I will not say the fact that there are no European Union observers at an election means that it will not be fair and free.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Election, Fact, Means, European Union

What the oil producer gets paid is about 16 percent. The majority of it is tax, which in fairness to the government of this country they have accepted and admitted.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Country, Fairness, Which, Producer

There is no part of the world where corruption is absolutely eliminated.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

World, Part, Eliminated, Corruption

The givers of most of the corruption in Africa are from outside Africa.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Africa, Givers, Most, Corruption

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge that our foreign friends are welcome to join in our endeavor to develop the resources of our country.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Want, Country, Endeavor, Welcome

We will as soon as possible reexamine our laws and policies and eliminate all obstacles to genuine investment.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Obstacles, Will, Laws, Genuine

When I left office in 1979, I was about the only one who had really left public office on my own.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Own, My Own, About, Public Office

I am a black man inside and outside and you are white men on the outside, but inside, you are Africans like me.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Black, Like, Am, African

I believe God knew what he was doing when he put oil under our ground. It should be a means to an end.

- Olusegun Obasanjo

Doing, Knew, Means, Ground

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