Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has shared heartfelt memories of his late wife, Stella Obasanjo, and her tireless efforts to secure his release from prison during a ceremony in Benin City marking the commissioning of the newly renovated 250-bed Stella Obasanjo Hospital, funded by the Edo State Government.
Obasanjo was arrested on March 17, 1995, by the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha and was convicted for allegedly plotting a coup against the military government.
Speaking as a distinguished guest at the event, Obasanjo reflected on the lengths his wife went to in her quest for his freedom.
“When I was imprisoned, that remarkable woman did everything possible. She traveled across the globe, seeking my release. From Japan to Europe, the Vatican, Latin America, and throughout Africa, she left no avenue unexplored, and God answered her prayers, along with those of countless others, allowing me to emerge from prison alive,” he recounted.
Obasanjo expressed his sorrow over not celebrating his wife’s 60th birthday before her passing, emphasizing how much he appreciated the tribute being paid to her.
“I am deeply grateful to all of you for honoring her memory. Stella made significant contributions to my administration, and I want to thank the people of Edo State for recognizing that,” he said.
He characterized his late wife as a woman of great substance, deserving of every honor both during her life and posthumously.
During his address, Obasanjo urged political leaders to focus on human capital development for their citizens, asserting that no government can claim success without prioritizing this area. He highlighted food and nutrition security as a critical component of human capital development.
“Without adequate food, citizens cannot enjoy the benefits of infrastructure development. It is essential for chief executives, whether at the national, state, or local levels, to prioritize human capital development,” he stated.
He outlined three key aspects of human capital development: food and nutrition security, health, and education. “You cannot achieve much on an empty stomach. Health is wealth, and without it, you cannot contribute to the nation’s progress,” he emphasized.
Obasanjo commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for the hospital’s reconstruction, noting that it has evolved from a Mother and Child hospital to a state-of-the-art specialist facility.
Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, who spoke prior to the hospital’s commissioning, expressed gratitude to Governor Obaseki’s administration for preserving Stella Obasanjo’s legacy through this initiative, which will benefit not only the people of Edo State but the entire nation.
