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)
The Federal Road Safety Corps, on Friday, urged motorists who are participating in the fasting periods, to ensure that they take rest at intervals, to avoid road crashes.
The FRSC Commander in-charge of the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway corridor, Mr Nasir Mohammed, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ota.
He noted that the advice had become expedient following the commencement of fasting periods by both Christian and Muslim faithfuls.
NAN reports that Catholic faithfuls had commenced lenten season with the distribution of Ash on Wednesday, which period is marked by 40 days fasting.
In the same vein, Muslim faithfuls had also began observation of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, which period is also marked by fasting.
Mohammed urged motorists to be cautious of fatigue and possible dehydration during the fasting periods, and ensure that they take hours of rest before returning to the steering.
He also warned motorists against over speeding and wrongful overtaking, which could lead to tragedy, adding that drivers must strictly adhere to all safety rules while on the road.
“We are appealing to motorists, especially Muslims and Christians who are fasting, to always observe the rest after every four hours of driving, to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
“Also, all motorists are enjoined to drive to stay alive; Wishing all safer roads and fuller life.” he said.
Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye has disclosed that the Nigerian Tiktoker, simply identified as Mirable, has been admitted to a State-owned health facility, and is currently receiving comprehensive medical attention.
Adeleye added that an investigation had begun and the survivor is presently receiving psychosocial support, and is responding positively to medical treatment.
The commissioner stated this on Thursday night shortly after visiting the survivor at the health facility, in the company of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and the Medical Director of the facility.
According to her, the visit was aimed at assessing the survivor’s condition and ensuring that appropriate medical and welfare interventions were promptly administered.
The Commissioner praised the personnel at the State-owned medical facility and the State Ministry of Justice for their quick response, as well as the Nigeria Police Force and Ogun State Police Command for their rapid and timely action as soon as the case was transferred to the State.
“This structured approach is intended to protect the survivor’s welfare while guaranteeing that investigations are conducted professionally, thoroughly, and strictly on the basis of verifiable evidence”, Adeleye said.
She added that detailed examinations and all required clinical procedures are being carried out in line with established standards for managing cases of alleged sexual assault, while the security agency is carrying out their investigation simultaneously.
“The welfare, dignity, and safety of every survivor remains our utmost priority. The Prince Dapo Abiodun led- administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence, stressing that “while we stand firmly with survivors, we are equally guided by due process.
“Investigations must be evidence-based, transparent, and fair to all parties involved, even as whosoever is found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
She urged residents to steer clear of speculative narratives or sensational commentary that could compromise due process while assuring them that the State Government would get to the bottom of the issue to ascertain the veracity of the claim.
Meanwhile, she assured members of the public that further updates would be communicated at the appropriate time as credible findings emerge from ongoing investigations.
Nigerian TikToker, known simply as Mirabel has finally opened up on the allegation of rape she earlier raised in a viral video.
It was recalls that the content creator, with the username @mirab351 had, alleged that she was sexually assaulted by an unknown man at her residence in Ogun State.
She claimed that the alleged rapist inflicted an injury on her privates with a blade.
Her story generated reactions across social media, causing the Nigeria Police to swing into action.
Some netizens, however, expressed scepticism on the factuality of the allegation, stating that the stories were not adding up.
But the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said on Thursday that the command was investigating the matter.
However, Mirabel, who opened up to Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, VDM said she had been into drugs and could be hallucinating.
