Posted by From MOSHOOD ADEBAYO, Abeokuta on
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said nobody could predict where he would be buried despite the outcry about this in some quarters He spoke on Sunday against the backdrop of speculation that he would be buried at his multi billion Naira Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said nobody could predict where he would be buried despite the outcry about this in some quarters He spoke on Sunday against the backdrop of speculation that he would be buried at his multi billion Naira Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
Obasanjo spoke yesterday in Abeokuta during the signing of the contract for the development of the museum component of the Olusegun Obasnajo Presidential Library, (OOPL).
The former president was fielding questions from journalists on whether he would like to be buried at Ibogun-Olaogun, his ancestral village in Ifo Local Government Area of the state.
His words: 'Where I will be buried will be determined by my children and Iyabo (apparently referring to Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello) my first child.
The President, who dressed in cream native attire of agbada and a cap to m atch, expressed delight at the level of work at the OOPL which contractors handling the project had been paid about N2 billion for about 30 per cent work.
Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Christopher Kolade, who is a co-Chairman of the project, lamented that the project was being misconstrued by some Nigerians.
According to him, the OOPL which he described as the first of its kind in Nigeria and indeed Africa was destined to be a role model
He also condemned critics of President Obasanjo that he raised fund for the project while still in office saying it was not a new thing across the world.
According to him: 'You don't raise fund for Presidential Library when you are no longer in office, but when you are in office. OOPL is not a private institution, but a public institution put up through private means.
Describing the OOPL as the first of its kind in Africa, Kolade further explained: ' It is a fitting monument to a great Nigerian statesman who has had the privilege of serving his country at the highest level longer than any other person in our history.
'Following the tradition in other parts of the world, especiall in the United, he was able to raise money and proceed to make initial preparations for this project during the final days of his tour of duty as President of the Federal Republic. We should note that an American President is allowed to raise money during his last years in office for his foundation to take care of his library.
As of now, President George Bush has raised more than $500 million for his library. The OOPL may not have the same magnetic force for donors, but we are still pursuing donations to complete this project'
The former Chairman of Cadbury recalled that during the fund-raising for the library in 2005, more than N6.5 billion was pledged by donors, but 'as of now, about N4.5 billion has been redeemed.
He said: 'Though the project was originally estimated to cost N5. Billion, now the project has changed and for it to meet the next year completion deadline, the OOPL is going ahead to raise more money to meet the new estimated cost of N9 billion.
The historical library project which is already recognised by the NESC to host the Institute for African Culture and International Understanding on completion would contain rare papers and historical objects that were donated to President Obasanjo during his presidency.
It would also housemany electronic materials that were retrieved from institutions like the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, the Voice of America and other institutions.