Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that he will “never stop having children,” emphasizing that the continuity of generations makes child welfare a lifelong responsibility for leaders, families, and society at large.
The elder statesman made the statement while hosting the leadership of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) at his residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday.
The delegation was led by the association’s President, Dr. Ekanem Ekure, who paid the courtesy visit as part of efforts to strengthen national advocacy for child health, survival, and development in Nigeria.
Speaking during the meeting, Obasanjo clarified that although he is no longer giving birth and his children are now adults, the chain of life continues through his grandchildren and future generations.
“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.”
The former president stressed that this continuous generational cycle makes the protection, wellbeing, and development of children a collective and permanent obligation.
According to him, nations that fail to protect their children today risk undermining their future tomorrow, describing children as the foundation upon which every civilisation is built.
“The future of any country depends on how its children are treated,” Obasanjo stated. “If we do not secure their health, safety and development now, then we are destroying the future before it arrives.”
He urged governments, institutions, families, and professionals to prioritise child survival and quality healthcare, noting that investments made in children yield long-term social, economic and national benefits.
Obasanjo paid glowing tribute to paediatricians across the country for their role in safeguarding the lives of children, describing paediatrics as one of the most demanding and sensitive medical specialities.
He explained that treating children requires not only medical knowledge but deep compassion and emotional intelligence.
“The problem of dealing with children is that they are not like adults. You must be able to feel for them,” he said.
“If it were myself coming to you as an adult, you would ask me where the pain is, whether it is on the right or left side, how I feel at night. But children cannot explain all that.”
“So your area of specialisation is very unique. It demands patience, empathy and commitment.”
During the engagement, the former president pledged his full support for initiatives aimed at improving child health outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.
He also accepted PAN’s request to serve as a national and global advocate for child health and wellness, describing the responsibility as one he was honoured to undertake.
“The task you have given me as an advocate for children is a task I will easily accept,” Obasanjo said.
“This is because children are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the foundation of today’s society.”
Earlier in his remarks, PAN President Dr. Ekanem Ekure described Obasanjo as a respected global statesman whose influence transcends Nigeria’s borders.
He noted that the association deliberately sought the former president’s backing due to the growing child health challenges confronting the nation.
According to Ekure, Nigeria continues to face pressing concerns such as infant and maternal mortality, malnutrition, inadequate healthcare access, and insufficient awareness of preventive child health practices.
He said the voice of Obasanjo remains powerful both domestically and internationally and could help mobilise stronger political commitment, partnerships, and funding toward child health interventions.
“We came to seek your guidance, your voice, and your advocacy,” Ekure stated. “The challenges affecting Nigerian children require national unity and leadership beyond the health sector alone.”
The PAN president also highlighted the importance of policy reforms, community education, improved immunisation coverage, and investment in paediatric training as essential steps toward safeguarding children’s wellbeing.
Observers at the meeting described the interaction as a strong signal of renewed national focus on child welfare, especially at a time when healthcare systems across Africa face increasing pressure from economic constraints and population growth.
The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library has long served as a hub for policy dialogue, leadership engagement, and development advocacy, particularly in areas relating to governance, education, and social development.
The former president’s acceptance of the advocacy role is expected to amplify national conversations around child protection and healthcare delivery, while strengthening collaboration between medical professionals, policymakers, and civil society organisations.
As Nigeria continues to confront complex healthcare challenges, stakeholders believe that high-level advocacy remains crucial to ensuring that children receive the attention, care, and protection they deserve.
Obasanjo’s remarks reinforced the idea that safeguarding children is not merely a medical duty but a moral responsibility shared by all generations.
His declaration that he would “never stop having children” served as a symbolic reminder that every child represents continuity, hope, and the future of humanity itself.
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