Obasanjo celebrates Murtala Muhammed’s daughter’s 60th birthday at orphanage; Celebrant remembers Leah Sharibu, Chibok, Dapchi girls
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has commended Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, the daughter of former Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, and her family for their decision to celebrate her 60th birthday anniversary at the Treasure of Love Missionaries Orphanage, Alapere, Lagos last Sunday.
Chief Obasanjo was the second in command to Gen. Murtala Muhammed and subsequently took over power when the then Head of State was assassinated in a failed coup on February 13, 1976 in Lagos.
The former President’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, in a release noted that Obasanjo’s visit of the orphanage, a few hours before new year was a great period for sober reflection for the elder statesman.
During the visit, the country’s former leader, who is also Chairman of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation commended Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode for selecting such a meaningful place to celebrate her diamond birthday anniversary.
Accompanied by his daughter, Dr. Kofo Blackshire and her family, who were spending Christmas with him, Chief Obasanjo toured the facility, gaining insights into the positive impact of the Foundation’s work.
Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, a distinguished human rights advocate and CEO of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, in a compelling message at the event, said there was an the urgent need to dismantle barriers obstructing peaceful negotiations so as to better protect women and children in conflict zones. She reiterated her unwavering commitment to justice, women empowerment, and global development issues.
In a poignant gesture, she dedicated her diamond birthday anniversary to the memory of the 91 Chibok girls who are still captives of Boko Haram terrorists, the five Dapchi girls who tragically lost their lives, and the as yet unreleased Leah Sharibu, expressing solidarity with their parents in their enduring agony.
Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode emphasized the significance of shedding light on critical global issues during her 60th birthday celebration, stressing that she remains steadfast in her mission to advocate for a world where the rights and dignity of every individual, particularly women and children, are protected and upheld.
In invoking the spirit of empathy and compassion, Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode called on the global community to join hands in creating a future where peace and security prevail and where the suffering of innocent people is alleviated.
Drawing inspiration from her late father, General Murtala Muhammed, she invoked his historic “Africa has come of age” speech, urging all Nigerians to overcome challenges and eliminate barriers obstructing the country’s and the African continent’s greatness.
Her message echoed her father’s vision, emphasizing the collective responsibility to tackle corruption, insecurity, and governance issues for Nigeria to flourish.
Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode also expressed sincere gratitude to President Obasanjo for making the day memorable for her and her family, even at short notice.
