01/09/2025
Olusegun Obasanjo: The Man Who Gave Power Back to the People
General Olusegun Obasanjo is one of Nigeria’s most important leaders, remembered for many changes that shaped the nation.
Roads & Airports: In March 1979, he opened the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, which is still Nigeria’s busiest airport.
Education: In 1976, he started the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program, giving millions of children free access to basic schooling.
Farming: He launched Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) to push Nigerians to grow more food and depend less on imports.
Democracy: In 1979, he became the first military leader in Nigeria to hand over power to an elected civilian government.
Phones & Communication: As civilian president in 2001, he allowed private companies to bring in mobile phones (GSM). This changed how Nigerians communicated and boosted business.
International Role: He helped Nigeria gain respect in Africa and the world, mediating peace talks and supporting ECOWAS.
From schools to farming, airports to democracy, and mobile phones to global leadership, Obasanjo’s time in power made a strong impact on Nigeria.
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