Preserving the history, leadership, and vision of Nigeria’s former president in the heart of Abeokuta
Location: Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) stands as a monumental symbol of Nigeria’s democratic evolution, chronicling the life, leadership, and legacy of one of the country’s most influential figures — former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR. Situated in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, this landmark institution serves not just as a repository of presidential history, but as a vibrant hub for research, tourism, and national reflection.
A Vision Conceived and Realised
The idea for the library was first conceived in 1988, during Olusegun Obasanjo’s post-presidential years following his first tenure as Nigeria’s military ruler (1976–1979). However, it was not until 2002 — during his second term as a democratically elected president — that the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Foundation was officially incorporated.
The library follows the model of presidential libraries in the United States, serving as both a historical archive and a research centre. Its goal is to preserve presidential papers, speeches, photographs, and artefacts from Obasanjo’s time in office, ensuring that future generations can access an authentic record of Nigeria’s governance, diplomacy, and development trajectory.
A Unique Blend of History and Tourism
The OOPL complex spans several hectares, encompassing a variety of facilities that reflect Obasanjo’s multifaceted vision for education, leisure, and sustainability.
Key features of the library include:
The Presidential Museum, which houses personal and official artefacts from Obasanjo’s life — from his military service to his international peacekeeping missions and presidency.
The Archive, containing official documents, photographs, and records detailing the major policies and events of Obasanjo’s administration.
The Wildlife Park, a conservation area that reflects Obasanjo’s commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-tourism.
The Green Legacy Resort, offering visitors accommodation, restaurants, and recreational facilities that promote tourism and local enterprise.
The Children’s Play Zone and Amusement Park, designed to make the site family-friendly and engaging for younger visitors.
Overcoming Engineering and Environmental Challenges
The library’s construction was an ambitious project that demanded innovative architectural and environmental planning. The site’s hilly terrain and rocky topography, characteristic of Abeokuta’s landscape, presented significant engineering challenges. Nonetheless, the design team, led by Nigerian and international architects, turned these natural features into aesthetic strengths. The library’s buildings blend harmoniously with the surrounding granite outcrops, creating a breathtaking view that symbolises strength, endurance, and vision — qualities closely associated with Chief Obasanjo himself.
A Centre for Learning and National Development
Beyond being a museum of leadership, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library also functions as a centre for academic and policy research. Scholars, journalists, and students visit to study Nigeria’s political history, governance models, and socio-economic policies. The library hosts seminars, exhibitions, and educational programs that promote civic engagement and leadership development.
Additionally, the library’s ICT and innovation centres support youth development, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy — aligning with Obasanjo’s lifelong advocacy for education as the cornerstone of national growth.
Symbolism and Legacy
The OOPL stands as a living testament to Obasanjo’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s national identity. It symbolises his belief in documentation, transparency, and learning from history — values that are often overlooked in the political space.
By preserving presidential materials for public access, the library bridges the gap between Nigeria’s past and its future. It invites citizens to explore the lessons of leadership, diplomacy, and resilience that have shaped the nation’s democratic journey.
References:
Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Foundation (OOPL) official website
The Guardian Nigeria: “Inside the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library” (2017)
Vanguard Nigeria: “OOPL and the Legacy of Olusegun Obasanjo” (2019)
Nollywood icon Genevieve Nnaji has fired off a sharp response after a man on X (formerly Twitter) advised Igbo men to stop marrying Igbo women and instead seek wives from other African countries.
The controversy began after a photo of a Rwandan woman said to be engaged to an Anambra man went viral.
Resharing the image, the user wrote, “Dear Igbo men, instead of marrying an Igbo woman who’ll falsely accuse you of r4ping your daughter, better look outside for a wife.
“Go to East Africa, especially Rwanda, and pick a damsel. They’re all over social media, and you can link up with them.”
Genevieve, who rarely comments on online drama, responded, “In other words, instead of checking yourself and taking accountability, go for the unsuspecting and carry on with your evil. Got it.”
Another user attempted to challenge her, claiming the original tweet was aimed at “false rape accusers” and that Genevieve was avoiding the real issue.
“His tweet was clearly against false rape accusers, but instead of holding the evil women accountable and demanding change, you chose to tweet this?”
But the actress hit back with equal clarity: “The same way a woman can’t tell an abusive man apart from a good one is the same way you shouldn’t say avoid all Igbo women. ‘Not all women’.”
Reality TV star Phyna has offered words of encouragement to fellow Big Brother Naija winner Imisi amid a family feud between the latter and her mother.
In an X post on Monday, Phyna wrote,”To Imisi, @imisiofficial and to anyone walking through the same fire… I’m praying for your strength.
“My own experience broke me, but I’m slowly rising.
“And I’m rooting for you with everything in me, don’t handle it like I did, build strong and focus on you baby girl.”
The post comes against the backdrop of a family dispute in which Imisi’s mother accused her daughter of hatred and revealed the poor condition of the home where she currently lives, despite Imisi winning N150 million after her Big Brother victory.
Imisi replied in Yoruba,”This is why Aunty Debola said you should not show your face to the world. I can’t be saying all that now, you are in the midst of people. Just overlook everything and leave social media.
“Don’t worry, I will send you money to rent a new house. I am tired of all this drama. I am still recovering from the stress of Big Brother.
“Should I be facing another stress now? Please forgive me, I am your daughter.”
Recall Imisi’s mother has publicly expressed frustration on social media, saying she does not need her daughter’s money after being sidelined following the win.
She also blamed Imisi for recounting her childhood experiences, which she claims involve untrue allegations of parental neglect and sexual assault.
In a video, she showed the old house she currently resides in, saying she is content with her situation, a revelation that sparked online controversy.
In 2023, after Phyna’s BBNaija win, her father, Felix Otabor, revealed in an interview that he was distressed by his daughter’s actions following her BBNaija win.
Otabor said Phyna had asked him to stop working as a hearse driver and requested that he sell his cars, promising to improve the family’s life.
He said he later struggled financially after selling the vehicles, losing his business momentum and community position, and has not seen his daughter since her victory.
He described feeling sidelined while she enjoyed her wealth.
Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels, has opened up about her marriage to her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko.
It was reports that the embattled wife revealed why their seven-year relationship remained faithful despite his polygamous lifestyle.
In a reply to a comment on her Instagram page, Daniels said that during their years together, Nwoko never slept with other women outside their home because she held him well in the other room.
She wrote: “Yes i think he loved me but a toxic one! Because tell me why a polygamous man forgot what it meant to be in polygamy, except for the media.
“Just because it boosted his ego of being seen with multiple women which is easy by me because anyone that sees a man as an odogwu sees the wife as what? He basically had to beg that he share days at ours and other days with his other wives because they begged for his attention.
“Y’all should pls forget this yeye social media comparison because my ex man never slept outside one day in our 7 years of marriage. You know why? Because as a delta babe, I hold am well for the other room ladies use your skills that’s all men want actually!”
