ABOUT THE OOPL

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.

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.