Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed rumours about his death, declaring that he will not die anytime soon despite being 89 years old.
Obasanjo made the statement during a colloquium held in Abeokuta to mark activities celebrating his 89th birthday.
The elder statesman said those spreading a fake letter suggesting he had written about his death were merely wasting their time.
He insisted that God has kept him alive and healthy for a purpose and that he still has work to accomplish on earth.
“For my final note, I want to point your attention to the work of some never-do-well,” Obasanjo said, referring to those circulating the alleged letter about his death.
According to him, the claim was completely false and did not reflect his situation or beliefs.
The former president said he remains strong and active, adding that those wishing him dead would not succeed.
Obasanjo also used the occasion to reflect on leadership challenges in Africa.
He said the continent’s slow development is largely due to leadership failure rather than geography or lack of natural resources.
According to him, Africa has the potential to become a continent of prosperity, stability and global influence if leaders act with integrity and accountability.
The former president urged young Africans to take governance seriously and work toward building institutions that serve the people.
He emphasised that leadership requires courage, honesty and a commitment to the common good.
Obasanjo also recalled some difficult moments in his leadership journey, including his imprisonment during the military regime of Sani Abacha.
He said such experiences highlight the heavy burdens leaders sometimes carry in the course of service.
The elder statesman concluded by encouraging future leaders to pursue transformational leadership that promotes transparency, justice and democratic values across the continent.