Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta – The First in Africa

Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) is the first Presidential Library in Africa and It is located in Nigeria, Abeokuta, Ogun State to be precise. The Presidential library was built by the former President of the federal republic of Nigeria and it was also named after him. The former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was the first democratic president after the Military rule and he ruled Nigeria between 1999 and 2007.

In case you are wondering why would you want to visit this library? It’s however not the regular type of library you are used to in school, it’s is an archive to document the life of the former President Of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and some very important political documents. The Olusegun Obasanjo presidential library is a historical, academic and tourist attractions which serve as an archive for preserving the Nigerian National historical values. The library also serves as an archive for the past, present and future history of Nigeria and the former presidents of Nigeria.

Also Read: Visit to Olumo Rock in Abeokuta

The library provides visitors with an avenue to learn the Nigerian history from the pre-democratic era to the democratic era. The library allows visitors to learn about the history of Nigeria through the lens of President Olusegun Obasanjo. In summary, it is a library that is dedicated to the chronicles of the life and time of President Olusegun Obasanjo and gives a detailed review of the life of Olusegun Obasanjo as a father, soldier, farmer, public servant, politician, head of stated and president. The library is meant to promote the legacy and the vision of the former president of Nigeria.

About The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library

The Olusegun Obasanjo library is located on 32 hectares of land in the heart of Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria. It is about one hour drive from the Central of excellency Lagos. 

The building of the Olusegun Obasanjo presidential library was designed in the form of outstretched arms welcoming or embracing visitors. The building is a three-storey structure which features a museum, an art gallery, office spaces, hall, library etc

History of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library

The idea of the Presidential Library was conceived in 1988 by Olusegun Obasanjo when he was a Military Head of State, OOPL was incorporated in November 2002 and came into reality in 2005 as the first presidential library in Africa and as at October 2019 remains the only presidential library in Nigeria. The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library was modelled after the first Presidential Library in The United State of America which was modelled after President D. Roosevelt in 1939 after he donated all his official documents for national use in the presidential library.

When was the OOPL Commissioned?

Though the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library was built in 2005, It was however commissioned in 2017. The library was launched and commissioned In 2017 to Mark Olusegun Obasanjo 80th birthday. The mission of the Olusegun Obasanjo presidential Library (OOPL) is preserving the past, capturing the present and inspiring the future.

The library showcases the life of president Olusegun Obasanjo from his birth to his military career, his family, his life in prison and every detail of him as a politician.

Relics at the Presidential Library 

The library is well equipped with over 4,000 artefact and different items belonging to the ex-president. Some of the items include:

• Obasanjo’s first bicycle
• Election materials
• Photos of the Obasanjo family
• Olusegun Obasanjo’s first car a Volkswagen beetle car
• His official SUV car
• Miniature warship
• Helicopters used during the war
• Obasanjo’s personal effects etc 

Rounda Fun Spot

The rounda Fun spot is an amusement park located inside OOPL. It is well equipped with different amenities for both children and adults. It has facilities such as basketball court, 350 seaters mini football pitch for kids, indoor sports and 4D graphical games and activities with an 18+ section.

The Green Legacy Resort 

The Green legacy resort is a four-star standard hotel located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, It is the perfect place for tourist and relaxation spot. It is a luxurious top of the range resort with world-class facilities. Some of the facilities include a swimming pool, a lounge, a restaurant, gym, spa, twenty-hour power supply etc. 

The Green Legacy Resort Abeokuta comes in over 150 states of the art tastefully furnished rooms and suites. The following are the categories of rooms available at the Green Legacy Resort the Ambassadorial Suite, v, Deluxe Room, Standard Room, and the Superior Double Room.

Facilities at The Green Legacy Resort

Here are some of the facilities available at Green Legacy Resort, Abeokuta:

• 5 Aside Soccer field 
• Standard Swimming Pool
• Badminton
• Ultra Modern Gym
• Kiddies Pool
• Volleyball
• Beauty Salon
• Table Tennis
• Snooker etc

OOPL Wildlife Park – Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Zoo 

The Olusegun Obasanjo Wildlife Park is another side attraction at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. The Wildlife Park boasts of over 250 different species of animals some of which are Lion, Crocodile, Ape, Monkey, Monitor Lizard, Parrot, Camel, Horses, Ostrich etc The OOPL Wildlife Park is a well equipped and maintained zoo. 

The OOPL Museum 

The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library features a museum that contains over 4,000 artefacts and relics of Olusegun Obasanjo’s past life. The Museum is divided into the following, the humble beginning, military career, Imprisonment and Politician, Stateman, mediator, 

OOPL Books and Souvenir Shop

OOPL also has a library and gift shop where you can buy books, souvenirs, gift items etc.

The Multipurpose Hall

The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library also features a multi-purpose hall that can take about one thousand five hundred guests. It is a fully air-conditioned facility with a state of the facility. 

Amphitheatre 

The Amphiteatre is an open-air theatre with a big screen. The amphitheatre host a couple of events such as shows, cultural dances etc  

OOPL Cinemas

The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library also has a Cinema where you can watch different kinds of Hollywood and Nollywood movies. The OOPL Cinema is also one of the few cinemas in Abeokuta.  

Facilities at OOPL

• A replica of the cell where he served his jail term
• A replica of the Aso Rock Presidential Oval Office
• The Adire and African Fabric centre
• Rounda Fun Stop (OOPL Amusement park)
• Tennis court
• OOPL Arrival Pavilion
• Gym and sauna
• OOPL Rock of Inspiration
• The OOPL Book, Gift and souvenir shop
• OOPL Arrival Pavilion
• Swimming Pool
• Rock Cafe
• Theatres
• Cinema
• Water Sports 
• Museum
• Library
• Artificial lake
• 4000 Artefacts
• Amphitheatre
• 1000 seat hall
• A Resort
• A 4-star Hotel
• A restaurant
• 153 room hotel
•  Amusement Park A zoo
• Mountain Top View
• Bamboo Restaurant and bars

When was OOPL Commissioned?

The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library was built in 2005 commissioned in 2007

Opening and Closing time for Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL)

The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library OOPL is opened daily between 9 am and 5 pm daily Mondays to Saturdays and 10 am to 5 pm On Sundays. However, the Green Legacy Resort is opened 24 hours a day.

 Mondays to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm

Sundays 10 am to 5 pm

Where is the Location of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL)

The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library OOPL is located at the Presidential Boulevard Way, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Complex, Presidential Boulevard Way, NNPC Bus Stop, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State, South-West, Nigeria.

How to Get to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library 

Getting to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library is easy it can easily be accessed from Lagos if you coming in from outside Nigeria. 

Take a flight to Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. From Ikeja, you will need to take a cab to Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Once you get to Abeokuta just after the Governors Office, you will find the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. 

Lists of Things to Do at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL)

• Learn more about Nigerian history
• Take a picture at the Replica of the Nigerian Oval Office
• Sightsee and enjoy the beautiful views
• Engage in all the Recreational Activities
• visit the Museum
• See relics of Obasanjo’s Personal properties
• Plan an event 
• Organise a Picnic 
• Visit the zoo
• Watch a movie at the OOPL cinemas 
• Lodge at the Green Legacy Resort 
• Ride a jetski on the man-made lake
• Visit the OOPL Rounda fun spot amusement park
• Grab some drinks or find something to eat at the bamboo bar and lounge
• Have a panoramic view of the city of Abeokuta from the mountain at the resort 

OOPL Gate fee

Here is the gate fee for OOPL

Full Guided Tour Package – 5,000

Full non guided Tour Package 3,500

Gate Fee to the Zoo alone 500

Other Tourist Centres Close to OOPL 

• Olumo Rock
• Centenary Hall Abeokuta
• OOPL Wildlife Park
• The first Church in Nigeria
• Kuti Heritage Museum