It can be recalled that the military junta of Sani Abacha sentenced Obasanjo to life imprisonment in 1995, after he was convicted for his alleged involvement in the plot to overthrow that government. He was released three years later, following the death of Abacha.
Anyway, while delivering a keynote address titled "Man in Pursuit of Happiness" at the 50th anniversary and founder’s day lecture of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) in Lagos, former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday, said he was 'bubbling with joy' while in detention.
The ex president said no man could succeed and achieve anything in life outside God.
"When I was in prison, I was always bubbling with joy, because I derive joy in the presence of God. This shows that you can be happy in spite of your situation. So, rather than seek happiness, seek God and every other thing will fall into place.
Man has been in search of happiness through position, reputation, greatness, wealth and even through atrocities. All these can only produce man-made happiness that cannot last. Man lacks the ability to make himself happy and in the quest for happiness, we look in the wrong direction and places."
Obasanjo appreciated the society for making it possible for people to have better understanding of the word of God through the many local languages that BSN had interpreted the Bible into.
Meanwhile, former head of state and patron of BSN, Yakubu Gowon, commended the activities of the society in evangelising and promoting the word of God, saying:
"It has been 50-years of noble existence and development. It also means that more is expected in the service of Christ; don’t get tired."
Gowon urged political leaders to put God first in all their dealings for the good of the country. He also called for understanding among religious groups to promote peace in the nation.
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