Obasanjo bags Middle Belt’s Father of Modern Nigeria award

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has been conferred with the award of ‘The Father of Modern Nigeria’ by the Middle Belt Traditional Council.

The Chairman of the Council, Chief Ochi Ode Emmanuel while presenting the award on Thursday, at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta residence of the former President, said the honour was well deserving on the statesman.

According to the Council Chairman, “the decision to award Baba Obasanjo this prestigious award was unanimous by the members of the Middle Belt Traditional Council for his sterling qualities despite not being the sitting President.

“When we had the event, he was not around in the country and he wrote to apologize for his absence. So, we are here today, to personally present the award to him.

“You see, right from history, this is a man that has seen it all; both in the military and civilian, he has always been there for this country.

“The major attribute being that at the heat of the Fulani herdsmen issue, and not minding what can happen to his life, he was there in the Middle Belt. This singular action endeared him to our hearts.

“Today, he is not the sitting President, yet, he is up and doing trying to make the unity of the country unshaken. He has done a lot, made sacrifices for the unity of Nigeria. So, the Council noted that someone doing this should be recognized in order encourage others to do same.”

Obasanjo in his reaction said he appreciated the fact that his effort was noted and honoured.

He assured that such recognition would continue to propel him to do more for the country.

Emmanuel was accompanied by the chairman, Organizing Committee of Southwest Cultural Day celebration, Chief Andy Iyaba to present the award.