Conceived in 1988, the idea to establish the Olusegun Obasanjo
Presidential Library remained just an idea until 10 years later when the man whom
the project is meant to immortalize was released from incarceration for a crime
that never was.
When Chief Obasanjo rode from prison to the State House as Nigeria’s second elected Executive President, he established the Office of Presidential Libraries (Libraries, Research and Documentation) whose mission was, in part, to see the OOPL idea translated into reality.
When Chief Obasanjo rode from prison to the State House as Nigeria’s second elected Executive President, he established the Office of Presidential Libraries (Libraries, Research and Documentation) whose mission was, in part, to see the OOPL idea translated into reality.
A primary concern for the
establishment of a presidential library is first to acknowledge the achievements
of, at any one time, the occupier of Nigeria’s most important political office.
It is also generally acknowledged that there is a gap in understanding the
complex conditions that prevail or act upon important decision makers when they
occupy their positions. A presidential library, with documents and other
archival materials could avail researchers important resources that would
enable them arrive at more accurate and objective analyses.
The point of the library is also to
demonstrate and deepen democracy. It will add value to democracy, as
transparency and accountability would be enhanced and policies better
understood.
It will clear up the myth and misconceptions of the office of the
president and perhaps broker a much more pragmatic understanding of the events
and the person. Posterity will benefit exponentially as history is enmeshed in
sustaining good governance. For children in schools, the benefits and the value
of understanding the travails of a leader cannot be under estimated.
The first of its kinds in Nigeria and
arguably Africa, OOPL continues the distinguished tradition where a nation’s
president bequeaths to posterity, historical documentation of his life’s
achievements.
As in other parts of the world, the Olusegun Obasanjo
Presidential Library provides an accommodation for the life’s work and
memorabilia on the Obasanjo Presidential years as well as an ambience to carry
out research work on him and other matters of interest.
This trailblazer in Nigeria and
Africa was conceived as an integrated complex, consisting of multi-functional
facilities. It has as its focus the Presidential Library centre, around which
are built amusement, recreational and accommodation areas as well as other
support facilities.
It is designed to encourage patronage from international
scholars, conference organizers, as well as attract global tourism. Besides
enhancing the socio-economic life of its immediate location, its presence
represents a positive contribution towards Nigeria’s international image.
0 comments:
Post a Comment