Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that Nigerian leaders both past and present have not yet completed the task of building the nation to its full potential.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of “Being True to Myself”, the autobiography of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, Obasanjo emphasized the need for renewed commitment to national development.

“The Nigeria you and I worked for, we haven’t gotten there yet,” Obasanjo remarked. “Our job is not finished until it is finished.”

Obasanjo, who wrote the foreword to the book, said elder statesmen like Lamido still have roles to play in shaping the country’s future. He quipped that he had thought his involvement ended with the foreword but was persuaded by Lamido to attend the event, even cutting short an overseas engagement reviewing the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Reflecting on Lamido’s 1999 appointment as Foreign Affairs Minister, Obasanjo shared how he chose him after the original nominee declined. He also recounted an amusing exchange with then-British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, who questioned Lamido’s selection.

“Cook asked how well I knew Lamido. Sule’s response left him wondering whether I was a crazy fool or a very clever guy,” Obasanjo said, drawing laughter.

He praised Lamido’s integrity, recalling how the former minister refused to submit an undated resignation letter, saying: “You appointed me; I didn’t ask you to. If you find me unworthy, just give me five minutes and I will resign.”

Obasanjo commended Lamido for helping restore Nigeria’s international image, noting that within three years of his appointment, the Queen of Britain visited Nigeria for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), signaling the country’s return to global respectability.

Reviewing Lamido’s time as governor, Obasanjo highlighted his consistent dedication to development and national discourse, saying, “Without any shred of doubt, Sule Lamido performed adequately as governor.”