Jonathan, Amosun hail Obasanjo as he Clocks 75 today

President Goodluck Jonathan and Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun on Sunday congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 75th birthday.

Jonathan commended Obasanjo for what he described as his exceptional commitment to the nation's unity."

The President's letter to Obasanjo read,

"On the historic occasion of your 75th birthday anniversary which comes up on Monday, March 5, 2012, I join you, your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for the life of fulfillment and uncommon accomplishment which He has blessed you with.

"You have spent virtually all of your adult life in dedicated patriotic service to our fatherland: As an accomplished officer in our nation's army; as a military commander who played a historic role in effecting the end of the unfortunate civil war; as a military Head of State who ushered in civil democratic governance; and later serving two terms as a democratically-elected President, and helping to consolidate the democratic process in our country.

"Today you are the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ruling, and by far the largest political party in Nigeria."

Amosun, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Mrs Funmi Wakama, described the former President as "an epitome of selfless service to fatherland".

The governor added, "It is indisputable that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has devoted virtually his entire adult life to the service of the nation, first as a fine officer in the army, Head of State and later President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

According to him, Obasanjo did not only fight for the unity of Nigeria but contributed immensely to its growth and development.

He said, "President Obasanjo's policy of backward integration, to cite one example, has not only led to private investments in the country but has ensured that substantial raw materials for such industries are sourced locally, thereby maximizing the God-given resources of the nation, providing employment for the teeming masses of our people and reducing pressure on our currency."