Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has explained why he believes he will never stop having children.
He explained that the continuity of life through generations makes child wellbeing a lifelong responsibility.
Obasanjo said that although he no longer gives birth and his children are now adults, the cycle of life continues through his grandchildren and future generations.
He made the remarks on Monday while hosting the leadership of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), led by its President, Dr. Ekanem Ekure, at his residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“I am no longer giving birth to children, and my children are now adults. But my children are still having children, and my grandchildren are having children, so I will never stop having children,” he said.
“Because when I stop, my children will not stop, and when my children stop, my grandchildren will not stop, and the cycle continues, ”Chief Obasanjo said.
The former president emphasised that the future of any nation depends largely on how well its children are protected and nurtured today, describing children as the foundation of every civilisation.
He called for stronger attention to child survival, care, and development.
Obasanjo commended paediatricians for their critical role in saving children’s lives, noting that pediatrics is a unique and demanding medical specialty.
According to him, caring for children requires empathy and special skills, as children often cannot clearly express their pain or symptoms like adults.
“The problem of dealing with children is that they are not like adults. You must be able to feel for them,” he said, highlighting the complexity of pediatric care.
He pledged his support for initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children in Nigeria and globally, and accepted PAN’s request to serve as an advocate for child health and wellness.
Earlier, Dr. Ekure described Obasanjo as a respected global statesman whose voice resonates both locally and internationally, explaining that PAN sought his support in view of the growing child health challenges facing the country.
