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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday extended heartfelt birthday felicitations to three prominent Nigerian leaders, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim on his 65th birthday, Florence Ita Giwa on her 80th birthday and elder statesman, Alhaji Femi Okunnu on his 93rd birthday, celebrating their lifetimes of political service, bridge-building and contributions to national development.
In a goodwill message to Chief Anyim, a former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), President Tinubu praised his political longevity since 1998 and his knack for fostering unity across divides. “Since 1998, Chief Anyim has been a constant figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. His political longevity affirms his ability to build bridges and work with stakeholders across the aisle,” the President stated.
Tinubu highlighted Anyim’s principled stand as Senate President, where he resisted efforts to undermine the National Assembly’s integrity, and his reform contributions as SGF. “He is one of our nation’s exemplary leaders. Anyim is a believer in the promise of a greater, more prosperous Nigeria and an invaluable ally in the progressive family,” the message added, wishing him robust health amid Nigeria’s need for dedicated patriots.
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Similarly, in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended Senator Ita-Giwa, fondly known as Mama Bakassi, for her advocacy on the Cross River enclave. The President noted her trailblazing career, including her role as National Republican Convention (NRC) chairman in Delta State, service in the House of Representatives (1992–1993) and as senator for Cross River South (1999–2003).
“President Tinubu described her as a resilient and courageous Nigerian, who broke the political glass ceiling. She charted a hitherto less-travelled path and set an example for other women,” the release quoted the President, applauding her policy and law-making impacts while praying for her continued vitality.
For Alhaji Okunnu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing, from 1967 to 1971, Tinubu celebrated his foundational role in infrastructure, overseeing key roads and bridges and his broader legacy in law, peace advocacy and mentorship. Called to the English Bar in 1960, Okunnu has shaped Nigeria through landmark cases and wise counsel.
“Alhaji Okunnu was a steadfast advocate of peace and unity, a voice of reason and wisdom, and a trusted counsellor to leaders across both the private and public sectors,” the President’s message stated via Onanuga. Tinubu prayed for divine strength and longevity, urging him to persist in nation-building service.
