Obasanjo lauds Oshiomhole on development, tasks leaders on corruption

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday commended Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole for transforming the state.

Obasanjo said this at the Edo State Government House during a courtesy call on the Governor, while on his way to deliver the 1st Dr. Abel Guobadia memorial lecture.

Obj as fondly called said, “I can see the signs that this state which was run down is now being run up.”

“I was Head of State and I see that there was no way to manage Nigeria economy except by indigenization and we went for indigenization.

“But the truth is that indigenization did not succeed the way we wanted and I became an apostle of genuine private sector-driven market economy. I hope Governor Oshiomhole is learning the lesson I have learnt so that this state, I can see the signs, which was run down is now being run up.”


In his response, Governor Oshiomhole said he learnt from the style and courage of the former President when it comes to taking major decisions which every leader requires emulate for change to be attained.

He added that his administration was “re-focusing and re-inventing governance to give the people confidence so that democracy can work. Indeed, it is working and we are able to deliver on some critical areas of infrastructure.”

Oshiomole praised Obasanjo for the launch of his Foundation, saying he can “continue to contribute to national and international efforts in dealing with the basic needs of the under-privileged and to create a platform for sustaining constructive engagement on development options and strategies to lift the level of development in Africa.”

In a chat with newsmen after the visit, Obasanjo said the country’s leaders must continue to speak out against corruption.