Archbishop of Canterbury sends personal handwritten birthday message to Obasanjo

ARCHBISHOP of Canterbury Rt Reverend Justin Welby has written a special handwritten letter to Nigeria’s former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo wishing him a happy 83rd birthday and describing him as a man who serves the course of peace.

On Thursday this week, Chief Obasanjo will celebrate his 83rd birthday and ahead of the date, Archbishop Welby sent a personal message to him through Nigeria's Bishop Precious Omuku. In the letter, which was dated February 20, 2020, the archbishop noted that the former president, despite his age, has continued to serve the course of peace globally.

Reverend Welby said: “I write to wish you many happy returns of the day on 5th March. At an age when many retire, you continue to serve the course of peace across the world and especially in Africa.

"May God grant you blessing, wisdom, the assurance of salvation and confidence in His love for you in Cross and Resurrection in the peace of Christ.”

Reacting to the letter, Chief Obasanjo said he would not rest on his oars until global peace was achieved. Chief Obasanjo, who described the letter as a special birthday gift, said that the request to continue to serve for peace was a challenge for him.

He added: “It is a challenge to do more than what we have done. You realise that everywhere we are, there is always an opportunity to work for peace and an opportunity to work for justice, which is foundation for peace.

“There is plenty of work to do. My prayer is that God will give us the wherewithal to do more.”