Obasanjo bags two awards from northern group

By ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA
In recognition of his selfless service to humanity, ex-President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was honoured for performance and leadership quality at providing excellence and commitment to peace, unity and development of Nigeria and Africa in general.
The Northern group, under the auspices of Arewa Media Publications and Event Company, declared that the two awards: ‘Most Outstanding Promoter of Unity, Patriotism & National Development Award of the Decade’ and ‘Outstanding Personality Iconic Award for Exuding Excellence in Leadership Qualities, Professionalism and Commitment to Duty of the Decade’ were purely given on merit.
Prince Joshua Olatunbosun Adeleke, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, who led the delegation to formally present the awards to the former President in Abeokuta yesterday, described Obasanjo as one of the greatest figures of the second generation of post- colonial African leaders.
He noted: “Without doubt you are one of the greatest figures of the second generation of post-colonial African leaders and, as a matter of fact, your Pan-African efforts to encourage peace and development across the continent cannot be overemphasised. 
You remain true and committed to one Nigeria and belief strongly that Nigeria should be retained as a single nation-state, rather than being broken up along ethnic lines.
“Your Excellency, in 2001, you said that your long term goal was ‘the nullification of all forms of identification except Nigeria citizenship. Till date, you are still unshaken in this resolve. This is not so with others.”
The Publisher added: “There is no gainsaying fact that your administration must also be credited for implementing a range of of important reforms; like the introduction of EFCC in 2000 which breathed new life into the anti-corruption agenda.
“Among other of your legacies is the payment of both domestic and foreign debts. Mr President, in your address at the South Summit-Global Order on April 12, 2000, Havana, Cuba, in your capacity as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of G-77, you were quoted as saying, “The heavy external debt burden and large unsustainable debt service obligations constitute a major obstacle to social and economic development. 
“Heavy debts undermine the capacity of our countries to make positive adjustments. It is clearly unacceptable that the external debt burden should continue to constrain our ability to channel public investment into physical and social infrastructure and human resource development. The debt burden also deters new foreign investments.” 
It is, therefore, commendable, Sir, that all your efforts towards this end did not go in vain, as your administration got Nigeria debt reliefs, the first of its kind.”
In addition, Adeleke remarked that Obasanjo’s vision and commitment to the growth of Nigeria and Africa, “which translated in a historical growth rate of six per cent for the Nigerian economy after a long period of slow growth and creating a rippling effect that motivated other African economies cannot be over- emphasised.
“Also, your regular shuttles across Nigeria and Africa to counsel on economic, social and political issues and your willingness to head election monitoring teams that have heralded smooth transitions in many countries are legacies which generations will remain grateful for.”
“Your Excellency, you indeed exhibited exemplary leadership by going a great length to show a good example.”
In his response, Chief Obasanjo thanked the organization for the awards and tasked them to remain focused in educating and informing their targeted audience.
Obasanjo apologised for his absence at the awards formal ceremony last year, but immediately I received similar letter from you, for you to come over to present the awards, I did not hesitate to invite you. 
Adeleke, who was accompanied by the Publication’s Editor, Bernard Ochani, Moses Mohammad and others, formally presented the awards and some of the company’s books among which were “Character and Leadership: The Nasir Example”, “Mamman Nasir: A Distinguished African Jurist & Leader For Tomorrow Reference”, to Obasanjo.