I won’t stop having children – OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that he will “never stop having children.”

Obasanjo explained that although he no longer gives birth and his children are now adults, the circle of life continues through his grandchildren and subsequent generations.

He made the remarks 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, on Monday.

According to him, the continuity of generations makes the protection and wellbeing of children a collective and lifelong responsibility.

“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.

“Because when I stop, my children will not stop, and when my children stop, my grandchildren will not stop, and the cycle continues,” Obasanjo said.

He emphasized that the future of nations depends on how well children are protected now, describing them as the foundation of every civilization, and called for improved care, survival, and development.

Obasanjo applauded pediatricians for their vital role in saving children’s lives, describing pediatrics as a distinct and challenging medical specialty.

The former president pledged his support for programs meant to enhance the lives of children in Nigeria and around the world, and accepted PAN’s request to act as an advocate for child health and wellness.

“The problem of dealing with children is that they are not like adults, so you must be able to feel for them. If it were myself coming to you as an adult, you would ask me where I am having the pain, is it the right or the left, how do I feel at night, but children won’t be able to say all that.

“So your area of specialization is therefore very unique. The task you have given me as an advocate for children is a task that I will easily accept.”

Earlier, Ekure praised Obasanjo as a global statesman whose voice is heard both domestically and internationally, maintaining that PAN specifically sought his assistance due to the escalating child health challenges.