The qualities according to him are faith , forgiveness, love, prayer, thanksgiving, and hard work to ensure progress in the nation.
The former president spoke at an event marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Victims in Ogun State, held in Abeokuta on Sunday.
Obasanjo maintained that personal and collective efforts are essential in achieving God's plans.
"Where are we? We should be where we should be. But I believe that we will be where we will be, where God wants us to be, only by hard work and by prayer. If we carry those five essentials of our Christianity—faith, forgiveness, love, prayer, and thanksgiving—we will be there. Forgiveness also includes giving," he said.
The event, organized by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), highlighted the theme for 2024, ‘That Day’, which focuses on the life-changing moments of road traffic victims and the stories their families and communities carry forever.
Speaking on behalf of the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Ogun State Sector Commander Corps Commander Akinwumi Fasakin outlined the objectives and activities for the annual remembrance, which runs from November 17 to November 23.
He said the initiative is rooted in resolutions by the African Union and the United Nations, aiming to reduce road traffic fatalities and provide support to victims and their families.
Sheu highlighted the alarming statistics from Nigeria, where over 5,000 people lost their lives, and 31,874 were injured in road traffic crashes in 2023.
He added that in 2024 alone, 3,767 fatalities and 22,373 injuries were recorded between January and September.
The Corps Marshall said that the FRSC has implemented several initiatives, including the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) 2021–2030, launched under the leadership of Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.
He added that the strategy aimed to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030 through enhanced governance and technological innovation, such as the FRSC Mobile App and the National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS).
His words ":Governments and authorities are called upon to improve vehicular safety through adoption of the Safe System Approach. We also call on motorists, pedestrians and all road users to recognize the fact that ‘road traffic crashes kill more passengers than drivers’ and hence need to remember that road safety is a collective responsibility.
"Please obey all traffic rules and ensure safety requirements especially during the end of the year yuletides, as we advocate for attitudinal change of all drivers, tri-cyclists, cyclists and the general public.
" I appeal to all the Stakeholders to remain dedicated to the success of a safer motoring environment in Nigeria."
Meanwhile , the Ogun State Sector Commander of FRSC Corp’s commander, Akinwumi Fasakin called for increased vigilance and personal responsibility among motorists to reduce road traffic crashes.
"We don't pray for people to die on our roads. This day serves to honour the memories of those who have tragically lost their lives in road traffic crashes and to advocate support for their families and survivors. It is also a reminder to everyone, especially motorists, to take personal responsibility for road safety."
He emphasized the importance of the ongoing Ember Month road safety campaign, which focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of reckless driving during the year-end period, a time often associated with increased road accidents.
"Crashes claim more passengers than drivers, we must all speak up against dangerous driving behaviours to prevent further loss of lives."
The Sector Commander urged motorists to adhere to traffic rules, avoid overspeeding, and prioritize safety for themselves and other road users.
