The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute celebrated its first Founder’s Day in honor of its founder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who turned 89 years old on Thursday. The event was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta and spotlighted Obasanjo’s decades of leadership in Nigeria and his ongoing advocacy for ethical governance and visionary leadership across the African continent. This gathering highlighted not only Obasanjo's legacy but also the institute's mission to cultivate future leaders dedicated to service and integrity.

During the event, Obasanjo delivered a poignant speech reflecting on his long career in public service, stating that reaching the age of 89 is a moment for both gratitude and reflection. He underscored the notion that living a long life should carry a sense of responsibility, suggesting that with age comes a duty to continue efforts that benefit society. His comments resonate with his long-standing philosophy that leadership must be coupled with a selfless commitment to the welfare of others, a principle he has advocated throughout his life.

The celebration served to reinforce Obasanjo’s influence in Nigerian politics and his role as a prominent figure in the discourse around leadership in Africa. His contributions have established a framework for ethical leadership training within the institute, aiming to inspire future generations to uphold values of service and accountability. As the focal point of this year’s Founder’s Day, Obasanjo not only celebrated his life but also inspired others to view aging as an opportunity to contribute positively to society.