Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised former military leader General Ibrahim Babangida to brace for a spectrum of reactions positive, negative, and critical to his new autobiography, A Journey in Service. Speaking at an event that also featured fundraising for a presidential library, Obasanjo lauded Babangida for not only making history but also for recording it for posterity.
“You have not only contributed to history, you have contributed to documenting history,” Obasanjo remarked, emphasizing that keeping accurate records is vital to nation-building. He urged Babangida not to be overly concerned with detractors. “Please don’t be unduly worried about critics who may try to undermine your work.
Harsh criticism can even be a sign of success, provided it remains objective. I recall a chronic critic of mine, the late Tunji Braithwhite may his soul rest in peace who condemned one of my books without having read it, simply because I was the author,” he added.
Obasanjo’s comments highlight the importance of embracing both praise and constructive criticism as essential elements in the process of documenting and understanding history.
