The Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF) has embarked on a week-long celebration to honor the 88th birthday of its Founder and Board Chair, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR. The festivities, which began on Saturday, 1st March 2025, at the Alao-Aka Bashorun Park, Gbagada Phase 2, Lagos, have been a remarkable display of the former Nigerian President’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian service, community development, and nation-building.
The celebration kicked off with a groundbreaking outreach program aimed at addressing hearing impairments, a critical yet often overlooked health challenge in Nigeria. Over 2,000 units of free hearing aids were distributed to beneficiaries after comprehensive otoscopy, ear stringing, and other ear care services, all provided free of charge. This initiative, which runs until Tuesday, 4th March 2025, has already transformed the lives of countless individuals, offering them a renewed sense of hope and dignity.
The outreach program was not just about distributing hearing aids; it was a holistic approach to ear health. Medical professionals conducted thorough screenings to identify the specific needs of each beneficiary, ensuring that the hearing aids provided were tailored to their conditions. The event also featured educational sessions on ear care, emphasizing the importance of early detection and preventive measures to combat hearing loss said Dr Olalekan Makinde, CEO, Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation.
On Sunday, 2nd March 2025, the celebration took a more glamorous turn with an exclusive dinner at the luxurious Deborough Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was attended by the crème de la crème of society, including business leaders, political figures, and cultural icons. The evening was a fitting tribute to Chief Obasanjo’s legacy, as guests reflected on his remarkable journey from a military leader to a democratic president and, ultimately, a global statesman and philanthropist.
The dinner was not just a celebration of Chief Obasanjo’s life but also a platform to raise awareness for the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation’s ongoing projects.
The celebration continued Monday, 3rd March 2025, with a seminar on the prevention of hearing loss, held at the Detutu Event Centre, Ogudu. The seminar featured a keynote lecture delivered by renowned otolaryngologist, Prof. C. Nwalolo, who emphasized the importance of early detection and preventive measures in combating hearing loss. Prof. Nwalolo also highlighted the role of government and private sector collaboration in addressing the growing prevalence of hearing impairments in Nigeria.
Attendees were treated to a captivating multimedia presentation showcasing the Foundation’s impact over the years, from its health initiatives to its youth empowerment programs.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who hosted the event, used the opportunity to interact with the over 100 beneficiaries of the free hearing aids distributed during the outreach program, who were able to make it to the Monday event, among the several hundreds of beneficiaries.. The beneficiaries, many of whom traveled from far and wide, expressed their gratitude to the Foundation for restoring their ability to hear and, by extension, their quality of life.
The seminar also saw the presence of high-profile dignitaries, including the Head of the Nigeria Army Medical Corps, who represented the Chief of Army Staff. Their attendance underscored the widespread respect and admiration for Chief Obasanjo’s contributions to Nigeria and beyond. Other notable guests included representatives from the ORLSON, Nigeria Dental Association (NDA0, The Deputy Commandant of the NSCDC, the medical communities and members of the Press.
In his remarks, Chief Obasanjo expressed gratitude to all who have supported the Foundation’s initiatives over the years. He reiterated his commitment to leveraging his influence and resources to improve the quality of life for Nigerians, particularly in the areas of health, education, and youth empowerment.
“At 88, I am reminded that life is not about how long we live but how well we live,” Chief Obasanjo said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and to make a difference in the lives of others. This celebration is not just about me; it is about the collective impact we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.”
The Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation’s 88th birthday celebration is not just a tribute to a great leader but also a reminder of the power of philanthropy and collective action in driving societal change. As the week-long event continues, it is clear that Chief Obasanjo’s legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Impact
The Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation has consistently demonstrated its commitment to addressing critical challenges in Nigeria and beyond. From its health initiatives to its education and youth empowerment programs, the Foundation has touched the lives of millions, embodying Chief Obasanjo’s vision of a better and more equitable society.
As the 88th birthday celebration draws to a close, the Foundation has announced plans to expand its outreach programs, with a focus on underserved communities across Nigeria. These initiatives will include free medical screenings, educational scholarships, and skills acquisition programs for young people.
Join the Movement
The Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation’s 88th birthday celebration is a call to action for all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of service and philanthropy. Whether through volunteering, donations, or advocacy, everyone has a role to play in building a better future for Nigeria.
As we celebrate Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s 88th birthday, let us honor his legacy by committing to making a difference in our communities. Together, we can create a Nigeria where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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Join the conversation online and celebrate the life and legacy of a true statesman. Let’s honor Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s 88th birthday by spreading the word about the impactful work of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation!
