Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has publicly adopted renowned real estate entrepreneur and business leader, Dr Femi Joshua, as his son following an emotional encounter at a leadership roundtable in Lagos.
The remarkable moment occurred during the two-day CEO Roundtable hosted by GOTNI, where Obasanjo delivered the keynote address before an audience of business executives, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders from across the country.
During the interactive session, Dr Joshua paid tribute to the former President, recounting how the economic reforms implemented under the Obasanjo administration fundamentally changed the course of his life.
According to him, the liberalisation of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector during Obasanjo’s presidency created unprecedented opportunities for millions of Nigerians, including himself.
He explained that the entry and expansion of telecommunications companies such as Econet, MTN and Globacom opened doors that enabled him, as a young man from a humble background, to build a successful career in the telecom industry.
Dr Joshua said he began his professional journey at MTN before moving to Globacom. He later established himself as a consultant, after which his career evolved into entrepreneurship, sales leadership and real estate development.
ALSO READ: Tinubu has made Niger Delta most peaceful region in Nigeria — Otuaro
Today, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of FJGlobal Properties and Founder of the African School of Sales and Management, where he is committed to developing entrepreneurs, raising business leaders and equipping young professionals with practical leadership and sales skills.
The atmosphere at the event became emotional when Dr Joshua publicly expressed gratitude to the former President, revealing that he had lost his biological father several years ago.
He described Obasanjo as a father figure whose life, leadership and service to Nigeria and the African continent had inspired him over the years.
In an emotional appeal before the audience, Dr Joshua asked the elder statesman to accept him as an adopted son.
Responding immediately, Obasanjo took the microphone and publicly accepted the request, drawing applause from participants at the event.
The symbolic acceptance marked the beginning of what both men described as a meaningful father-son relationship built on mentorship, guidance and shared values.
The public gesture was followed by a private visit the following day, Sunday, July 5, to Obasanjo’s residence in Ota, Ogun State, where the former President warmly received Dr Joshua and spent time offering him personal counsel, leadership lessons and fatherly advice.
Speaking after the visit, Dr Joshua described the encounter as one of the defining moments of his personal and professional journey.
He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to relate with Obasanjo not only as a former Nigerian President, Head of State and respected elder statesman, but also as a father, mentor, guardian and instructor.
Dr Joshua pledged to remain teachable, honour the relationship and uphold the virtues of discipline, courage, integrity, service and nation-building, describing the experience as the beginning of what he hopes will become a lifelong mentorship and intergenerational leadership relationship.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the entrepreneur to present his flagship real estate development, JABI PRIME HUB, a landmark mixed-use project located in Abuja.
According to Dr Joshua, Obasanjo offered strategic advice and valuable insights on the successful execution of the project while emphasising the importance of ensuring that it delivers sustainable economic benefits, contributes to national development and achieves global competitiveness.
The entrepreneur said the counsel he received from the former President would significantly shape the implementation of the project and strengthen his commitment to creating developments capable of driving investment, employment and long-term economic growth.