IJAW GROUP HONOURS OBASANJO

PORT HARCOURT- FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has been conferred with the award, 'Preserver of Nigeria Unity in Diversity,' by an eminent Ijaw body, Ijaw Strategic Group.

Making the presentation at the Hilltop residence of the former President in Abeokuta, Ogun State,  Executive Secretary of the body, Prince Patani, highlighted the significant contributions of the former President to the stability of the country.

He recalled that it was the former President who made it possible for President Goodluck Jonathan to become first democratic Vice-President from the South-South region, adding that the support of Obasanjo further contributed largely to Jonathan's emergence as President.

He added that Jonathan's presidency had deepened the unity of the country, as the minority now have a sense of belonging in project Nigeria.

The group recalled effort of the former President at tackling the challenges of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta region with the creation of an interventionist agency, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

'Former President Obasanjo symbolises unity in this country. He deserves to be honoured. And, this was why we came to confer this on him. We will host him again in the Niger Delta region soon,' Patani said.

The former President, who thanked the group for the award, said he was just a vessel used by the almighty God to promote national unity.