His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has emphasised perseverance, faith, and hard work in overcoming adversity and achieving success.

He gave the charge at the second edition of 'Storytelling with the Legends', a programme organised by the Department of School Library and Media Technology, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan.

Chief Obasanjo shared life experiences and lessons on resilience, mentorship and service with students from over twenty schools invited from the Ibadan Metropolis.

He illustrated the changing nature of human circumstances and the need to balance justice with mercy with the traditional folklore of “Ijapa and his father-in-law.”

He stressed that people should stand by what is right while showing compassion and understanding, noting that circumstances may change, but God remains constant.

The former president also narrated his imprisonment under the administration of General Sani Abacha, explaining that human beings have limited control over certain circumstances and encouraged young people to trust in God when faced with difficult situations.

He discussed his book, Sermons from the Prison, and recounted how he led an inmate to Christ before facilitating the man’s theological training after his release.

He disclosed that the man later became a pastor who has led others to Christ, demonstrating the transformative power of mentorship and spiritual guidance.

Chief Obasanjo attributed his resilience partly to the values instilled in him during childhood, explaining that his father taught him the importance of hard work, while his educational and financial challenges strengthened his determination to succeed.

He also reflected on his military service in the Congo in 1960, where he was captured by Congolese soldiers during a period of unrest, saying the relationship he had established with the soldiers saved him from being killed, illustrating the importance of human relationships in difficult circumstances

The former president disclosed that his transition from military service to agriculture was facilitated by a loan he obtained to establish his farming business, explaining that careful planning and determination enabled him to make considerable progress.

Chief Obasanjo defined success as getting to a place and leaving it better than one found it, explaining that success goes beyond wealth, position and personal accomplishments to include the positive difference an individual makes in the lives of others and society.

He encouraged young Nigerians to cultivate perseverance, faith, discipline and a sense of responsibility, emphasising that meaningful success also lies in contributing to society and leaving a positive legacy.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, described storytelling as a powerful means of transmitting knowledge, values and experience across generations.

He recalled that the inaugural edition featured the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, and noted that the initiative promoted the preservation of history and cultural heritage.

Professor Adebowale said the second edition continued this tradition by connecting students with a national figure whose experiences reflected significant chapters in Nigeria’s history.

He said that storytelling promoted moral instruction, literacy development and character building, urging students to draw lessons in courage, integrity, perseverance and service from Chief Obasanjo’s life.

The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Kehinde O. Kester commended the Department for sustaining the initiative, describing storytelling as an important means of reconnecting children with their cultural heritage.

He said school libraries should serve not only as repositories of books but also as spaces for developing imagination, identity and values.

The Dean described Chief Obasanjo as a valuable source of historical knowledge, encouraging the students to listen attentively, ask questions and share the lessons learnt with others.

The Acting Head of the Department of School Library and Media Technology, Dr Alice A. Bamigbola, said the programme reflected the Department’s commitment to promoting reading, strengthening school librarianship and inspiring young people through the experiences of distinguished Nigerians.

She called on the Federal and State governments to provide functional, well-equipped and technology-enabled school libraries, supported by adequate funding and trained professionals.

She also advocated the inclusion of Media and Information Literacy in the school curricula to equip children to evaluate information critically and use digital media responsibly.

Dr Bamigbola appealed to government agencies, corporate organisations, individuals and other stakeholders to support the Department’s literacy initiatives, including its Reading Remediation Programme, Reading on the Air Programme and capacity-building workshops for teacher-librarians.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Olori Bukola Ladoja on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja and Mr Niyi Akinyanju on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technolgy, Oyo State.

Members of the University Community also participated in the event and a question-and-answer session was featured at the very well attended event.