By Orkula Shaagee
A former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has highlighted the importance of documenting personal stories, stating that such narratives are vital for future generations.
He spoke on Thursday during the launch of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey In Service, in Abuja.
The event, occurring 32 years after Babangida left office, featured President Bola Tinubu as the special guest of honour, with keynote speaker Nana Akufo-Addo also in attendance.
Obasanjo highlighted that writing serves both individual reflection and national interests. He acknowledged that reactions—both positive and negative—are an inherent part of authorship and contribute to the work’s significance.
The former president urged attendees to remain resilient amid criticism, reassuring Babangida that scrutiny is natural and should not deter him from sharing his narrative.
Other distinguished guests included former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the autobiography, along with ex-presidents Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan. The gathering highlighted the need for accurate records to aid nation-building.
Obasanjo encouraged everyone to continue documenting their stories, recognising that each narrative contributes to Nigeria’s collective history.