Vice President Kashim Shettima has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as an iconic figure whose contributions to Nigeria and the African continent transcend the limitations of any formal title. Shettima made the remark during an interview granted on the sidelines of Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration, aired on SYMFONI TV from 1:29.
Addressing a lively crowd gathered to honour former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, the Vice President took a moment to reflect on Obasanjo’s legacy. In a tone that mixed admiration with historical weight, Shettima declared, “To describe him as a former president is a gratuitous insult, he is one of the greatest sons of Africa.”
The statement drew applause from the audience, many of whom saw it as a gesture of national unity and respect amid Nigeria’s often heated political climate. Shettima praised Obasanjo’s decades-long influence across governance, diplomacy, and continental leadership. According to him, Obasanjo’s stature had expanded far beyond the conventional roles associated with former heads of state.
He noted that Obasanjo’s interventions in regional conflicts, contributions to democratic transitions in Africa, and enduring presence in global policy discussions had solidified his place as a continental statesman. “His legacy is woven into the story of modern Africa,” Shettima said, stressing that such figures should be acknowledged with reverence, regardless of political differences.
The event, held in honour of Fayose, served as both a celebration and an opportunity for political reflection. While commending Fayose for his political journey, Shettima used the platform to emphasise the importance of recognising national figures who shaped the country’s trajectory. View, More,
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