A former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has said that he is optimistic about a Nigeria that everyone would be proud of in his lifetime.
Obasanjo said this in response to the outpouring of encomium by friends and well-wishers during his 88th birthday celebration in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He said he is confident that Nigeria will attain her full greatness despite the challenges facing her and the crop of leaders the nation has encountered.
He also called on all Nigerians who are yet to attain the age of 80 to get ready for the task of nation building among others.
According to Obasanjo, such devotion to the nation by her people would bring the desired changes everyone desires.
Further describing himself as an incurable optimistic, especially about Nigeria, Obasanjo said, “Yes, the situation is bad, no doubt, but I believe in my lifetime, we will have the Nigeria that we will all be proud of.
“I want to thank all those who have given the goodwill messages; I appreciate you all. May all of you who have reached the age of 80, attain 90 and 100. And I will celebrate that 90 and 100 with all of you.
“Those of you who have not attain the age of 80 and have not been called Octogenarians yet, you will by the Grace of God attain 80, but let us bear in mind that as Nigerians, there is an obligation for us and if we do it well, we will have an enviable Nigeria in our lifetime.”
