Ralph Applebaum Associates

The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the first such institution in Africa, presents the life and times of one of Africa’s great modern statesmen. The Library is a visitor attraction and national archive for the preservation of materials used by Obasanjo during his two-time tenure as president of Nigeria.

RAA was asked to plan and design the permanent exhibition for the museum element of the multi-purpose campus. Two major exhibitions detail the life and times of president Obasanjo, showcasing and displaying various milestones across his 80 years; from his school report cards in primary school, to his uniform, pistol, and swagger stick associated with the Nigerian Civil War, to the gifts he received from world leaders while serving as Nigeria’s commander in chief. A recreation of “Cell 333,” his prison cell from his time in Yola Prison, also features in the exhibit.

In particular, the museum explores the President’s role in the landmark popular elections of 1999, after which Obasanjo became President. Documents, photographs, artifacts, and interactive media allow visitors an accessible window into this crucial era of Nigerian democracy. The Presidential Library was established to demonstrate and deepen democracy by engaging Nigerian citizens—especially its young people.

The Presidential Library plays a key civic role in enhancing transparency and accountability, to ensure that policy choices are better understood. More importantly, visitors should depart believing in themselves and their capacity to support Nigeria as it embarks on the second half of its first century of independence.