I Don’t Know My Real Age Says Ex-President Obasanjo
Ex- president Olusegun Obasanjo, who celebrated his 77 year-old birthday on Wednesday, confessed that he had no real record of his birthday.
According to Obasanjo he said he could not ascertain his actual birth date, a scenario which he is because his parents were not able to have it documented.
According to Obasanjo, who also said that President Goodluck Jonathan had actually congratulated him on his “official” birthday, said that Nigerians should continue to hope and expect for the better.
The Ota farmer made the assertion when he was responding to The former president disclosed this while responding to messages of solidarity by some persons who attented the occasion which was also organised by the Centre for Human Security (CHS) and the UNESCO Institute for African Culture and International Understanding (IACIU) of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.
“There are some people including me who do not know their exact birthdays. My mother only told me that I was born on Ifo market day. According to her, in our village, she had prepared to go to Ifo market and Ifo market is every five days.
“She said as she was preparing, she went into labour and before those who went to Ifo market returned, I was born. Don’t ask me what month or what year. Whether I know the exact date or not, I think God has made my path to be glorious,” Obasanjo said.
According to him he said; “Sooner than later, the cat will be let out of the bag by myself. But one thing that is clear is that I was born; there is no doubt about that,” he said.
“I have disappointed God several times but God had never taken my faults against me.
“If he had counted my faults against me, I would have been consumed.
“So, what has been sustaining me is the grace, mercy and kindness of God,” he said.
The former president expressed gratitude to all those who had contributed “positively and negatively” to his life.
He also appreciated his parents, his community and those who had worked closely with him.
Speaking further he said; “When you listen to these younger ones, you cannot but agree that there is hope for this country. When you hear them and listen to them, you will feel proud.
“Here we have two organisations that are working together not only to give hope, not only to raise expectation for the up and coming in Africa but to make sure that tomorrow will be better than today. And in those children, I am assure personally that tomorrow is better than today.”
