OBASANJO CELEBRATED BY KEGITE CLUB, URGES AFRICANS TO PRESERVE HERITAGE
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has underscored the importance of preserving Africa’s rich cultural heritage, describing it as a defining element of African identity.
He made the remarks on Saturday in Abeokuta during a birthday celebration organised by the De Kegite Club, Ogun Hemisphere, in honour of his 89th birthday. The event took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, where Obasanjo, the Eternal Grand Patron of the sociocultural group, praised the club’s efforts to promote and safeguard African culture.
Obasanjo said, “This is African culture, and culture has been defined as the totality of our way of life. I am excited and happy to live long enough to be celebrated by the Kegites. I am happy that these young men and women, every year as part of our culture, do this for me. You cannot imagine how happy I used to be having them around me every year.”
He also highlighted the value of traditional African remedies, noting that long before modern medicine, Africans relied on roots and leaves for healing. Obasanjo described Africans as inherently rich in culture and attributed his longevity to divine grace, a healthy lifestyle, and contentment.
“I believe that to enjoy sound health and good living, there are probably five or six things one can do,” he said. “One is diet—you must watch what you eat. The second is rest, the third is exercise, the fourth is medical—regular medical check-ups are quite important. The fifth is social interaction, just like the one we are having with the Kegites. The last is contentment. You must learn to stay contented with what God has given you. It gives peace of mind and enhances sound health.”
Earlier, the Grand Patron of the club and former Accountant General of Ogun State, Tunde Aregbeshola, described Obasanjo as a cultural icon whose influence within the Kegite movement and Nigerian society remains enduring. He noted that Obasanjo’s passion for tradition and indigenous values inspired the decision to honour him annually.
“Baba Obasanjo is someone who loves culture so much. He believes in tradition and customs, and he has been a member and supporter of the Kegite Club for many decades,” Aregbeshola said, adding that the club’s celebrations shortly after March 5 have become a long-standing tradition.
Chief Ayinla Semiu from the national headquarters at the University of Ibadan also praised Obasanjo for his commitment to African culture and his long-standing membership in the club since 1976. Semiu highlighted the club’s philosophy of using palm wine as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, reflecting the importance of dialogue and harmony in resolving conflicts.
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