Uduaghan Hails Obasanjo As True Nationalist

SAN FRANCISCO, January 20, (THEWILL) – Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a nationalist who believes in one Nigeria. 


Dr Uduaghan gave the description at the weekend when he visited the former President at his private residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State during a grand reception organized by the South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in honour of the former Nigerian leader and past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP. 


According to Dr Uduaghan, the former President is an international figure who believes so much in Nigeria and has worked for Nigeria’s development and its unity. 


At the grand reception held at the Alake Palace, Dr Uduaghan disclosed that the former President has also, ensured that Delta State was empowered to provide food not only for the people of the state but for Nigerians through the Obasanjo Farms which he partnered with the Delta State government to establish at Ogwashi-Uku. 


“Because of our Delta beyond oil programme, we have a farm which is one of the biggest in West Africa and through the farm, President Obasanjo has ensured food security in West Africa,” the Governor said, reiterating that the Poultry at Ogwashi-Uku will be one of the biggest poultry farms in West Africa when fully operational. 


He described Chief Obasanjo as a man who stands by what he believes in and does not waver no matter the situation, stating that once the former Nigerian leader believes in a course, he pursues it to a logical end. 


Also speaking at the occasion, President Goodluck Jonathan who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Namadi Sambo stated that Nigerian history cannot be complete without mentioning roles the former President Obasanjo played in ensuring the development and unity of the country. 


“You have a special place in the history of Nigeria,” the President said, adding that Chief Obasanjo “spent greater part of his life in public life and laid a solid foundation which we are building on.”


Those who spoke at the occasion included the Governors of Imo and Akwa Ibom, among others and notable leaders like the Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur who poured encomium on the former President for believing and working for the progress of Nigeria. 


Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said it was important for Nigerians to appreciate their leaders when they are alive, observing that such would encourage such leaders to do more for the society and also, encourage others to emulate such leaders in working for the people rather than self. 


He thanked those who organized the reception for celebrating him while alive and urged them to always work for the unity of the country.