A career soldier, Obasanjo became Nigeria military head of state between 1976 and 1979. He handed over to a democratically elected regime of Alhaji Shehu Shagariin 1979, thus becoming the first military ruler to willingly hand over power at a time when military rule was still in fashion in Africa.After spending over three years in prison for his alleged part in planning a phantom coup against the then military junta, Obasanjo ran for the presidency of Nigeria in 1999 as the candidate for The People’s Democratic Party - and won. He served two terms as president of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, leaving office in 2007. In retirement, Chief Obasanjo keeps himself busy with a flourishing farming business and still finds time to act as an UN envoy, and play an active part in the African Leadership Forum, the not-for-profit organisation designed to help improve the quality of leadership in Africa while at the same time helping to train the next generation of leaders for the continent.
Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Inspires Nigerian Youths On MTV Meets
Politician, soldier, farmer and born again Christian Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has inspirational words to share with the young panellists featuring in MTV Base Meets Olusegun Obasanjo with MTN.
Chief Obasanjo met with MTV Base VJ Vanessa Mdee and a group of ambitious and passionate young people at his home in Abeokuta in Ogun State, Nigeria in June 2012 as part of the MTV Base Meets…with MTN mentorship and youth empowerment initiative, which connects thought leaders and influencers with young people.
Chief Obasanjo also speaks about his support for the democratic process, saying,
“You must make up your mind what you want out of life. That thing that you have chosen, you must never give up. Whatever your hands and your head find to do: do it with all your might!” Chief Obasanjo concludes.
Other topics to be covered by Chief Obasanjo include the value of education, pivotal moments in his life, the joy he found during his time in prison (where he grew maize for all the inmates), and his love of dancing and music – particularly Bob Marley!
Among the seven young people who had the opportunity to meet and interview Chief Obasanjo were Rwandan law graduate and baking entrepreneur (25), 26-year old business graduate and actress from Cameroon, Nigerian oil industry engineer and entertainer (28), Nigerian HR manager (27), Nigerian internet entrepreneur (31), South African schoolgirl and would-be doctor (15) and Liberian high school graduateand wannabe model (18).
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