Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that he will never stop “having children”, insisting that the continuity of life through generations places a lifelong responsibility on society to protect and nurture the young.
Obasanjo, who spoke while hosting the leadership of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) at his residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State, said although he no longer gives birth and his children are now adults, the cycle of life continues through his grandchildren and future generations.
According to the former leader, the survival and wellbeing of children remain central to the future of any nation, describing them as the bedrock upon which civilisation is built.
“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.
He explained that the continuity of generations makes child protection a shared and enduring obligation, stressing that neglecting children today amounts to mortgaging the future.
Obasanjo commended paediatricians for their critical role in safeguarding children’s lives, describing paediatrics as a demanding and specialised field that requires not only professional competence but deep empathy.
“The challenge with children is that they are not like adults. You must be able to feel for them. An adult can explain pain, but a child often cannot. That makes your work unique and invaluable,” he noted.
The former president pledged to support initiatives aimed at improving child health outcomes in Nigeria and beyond, as he accepted PAN’s request to serve as an advocate for child health and wellness.
Earlier, PAN President, Dr. Ekanem Ekure, described Obasanjo as a respected global statesman whose voice carries weight locally and internationally. He said the association sought Obasanjo’s support in view of the growing child health challenges facing the country and the urgent need for stronger advocacy and policy attention.
