The statesman, aged 88, made the statement during a public engagement, sparking both solemn reflection and admiration for his candor.
“I am now in the departure lounge. I am no longer in the arrival hall,” Obasanjo remarked, drawing a wave of quiet reaction from the crowd. “But while I am still here, I want to contribute in whatever way I can to the peace and progress of Nigeria.”
The former president did not explicitly state any health concerns but used the occasion to emphasize the urgency of national unity, responsible leadership, and legacy building.
Obasanjo, who served as both a military and civilian Head of State, remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent political voices. Despite his age, he continues to speak at national and international forums, often offering pointed advice on governance, peacebuilding, and development.
His remarks in Zamfara have reignited public conversations about Nigeria’s elder statesmen and their enduring influence in shaping the country's democratic and developmental landscape.