Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday thrilled residents of Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital as he rode a tricycle across some major parts of the city.
In what is a rare sight, the former president took over the wheels of a tricycle, picking passengers from the frontage of his Presidential Library (OOPL) at Oke Mosan area of the city to Kuto, a distance of two or so kilometres.
The development attracted a number of residents who were excited to see him on the move as many passengers were eager to ride with him.
Dressed in white native attire and wearing a face cap, the former President said the move is part of activities to mark his 85th anniversary.
It would be recalled that Obasanjo turned 85 in March but has continued to engage in activities to celebrate the milestone.
He had donated 85 tricycles to young people across the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory last month, as part of the activities.
Addressing journalists after embarking on the ride, Obasanjo said the move was to demonstrate that riding on a tricycle is safe. According to him, the tricycle, if used properly will be usefully for people to learn how to start small and grow their craft.
He said with tricycles and other small scale businesses, youths could be self employed and ultimately, become economically independent.
He challenged Nigerian youths not to abandon the country to those who are currently messing it up, adding that despite the many challenges confronting Nigeria, there are opportunities for them to take advantage of.
In his words: “There is nothing wrong in young people starting small. The Keke is secure and safe when handled professionally and with discipline.
“In fact, you can plan your business the way you wish and earn income that you can deploy to other investments.
“And if you are able to get a second one, you can give that to someone else. So you become self-employed and you have also employed somebody.
“I have always had passion for youths, empowerment and employment. When I started establishing farms, do you think I can run the farm alone?
“The people I employed on the farms, some of them are as educated as PhD. There are veterinary doctors among them, agricultural economists and some people that are well educated. Some of my children that have PhD are still working with me.
“The other time I checked, the people that are working with us directly in our various establishments, we have over 5,000 and most of them are youths.
“I have always had passion for youths because there is no substitute for employment.”
