Follow Us on Google
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo olu, Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila and Professor Julius Ihonvbere as they mark their 61st, 64th and 70th birthday respectively, praising them for their contributions to governance and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Sanwo olu’s stewardship of Lagos as marked by “diligence, wisdom and excellence,” and said the governor was successfully drawing on both private and public sector experience “to set new records of accomplishment in governance.”
“Governor Sanwo olu’s efforts in consolidating on the economic, infrastructural, and cultural transformation of Lagos State into a vibrant, dynamic and structured global city, with growing influence across the country, and the world are remarkable,” the President said, adding that Sanwo olu had strengthened Lagos as “a centre of excellence and home for all.”
Tinubu also commended the governor’s commitment to the APC and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying Sanwo olu has promoted “inclusivity, diversity, and harmony in all political activities and transitions in the state.” The President prayed that “God Almighty will grant the governor a longer life, good health, increased wisdom, and that his impact and legacy will endure.”
On Gbajabiamila, Tinubu hailed the Chief of Staff’s “remarkable life of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the country,” praising his loyalty, dedication and sacrifices in public life.
“As you celebrate your 64th birthday today, I deeply appreciate your loyalty, dedication, and sacrifice,” the President said. “Throughout the years, you have demonstrated capacity for service, placing national interest above personal considerations and working tirelessly for the progress of our country. Your dedication to duty and ability to coordinate complex governmental processes have contributed immensely to the realisation of our Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He also highlighted Gbajabiamila’s long parliamentary career, noting his service as Minority Leader, his role in the formation of the APC and his tenure as Speaker of the House, describing those chapters as “defining” for the National Assembly. Tinubu prayed that “Almighty Allah will grant the Chief of Staff good health, wisdom, strength, and many more years of impactful service to the nation.”
Other News
Tinubu also paid tribute to Professor Ihonvbere as the House of Representatives Leader marked his 70th birthday, describing him as “a statesman, scholar, politician, and patriot” whose life, the President said, “is, in many respects, a story of service.”
In a State House statement he personally signed, Tinubu highlighted Ihonvbere’s academic standing as a renowned political scientist and traced his public service from the lecture hall to the corridors of power. “Professor Ihonvbere has brought dignity, intellect, civility, and principle to public life,” the President said, adding that Ihonvbere demonstrated “that excellence in academia can also be replicated in public life.”
He recalled Ihonvbere’s international experience, including his work at the Ford Foundation where he managed the Peace and Social Justice Programme’s “Pluralism and Governance” portfolio until 2002. While at Ford, Ihonvbere “helped attract foreign aid to Nigeria’s pro democracy NGOs, including the Truth Commission established by President Olusegun Obasanjo,” the President noted.
He outlined four pillars of Ihonvbere’s legacy at 70: leadership in the Green Chamber, advocacy for tertiary education reform, steadfast representation of his Owan East/West Federal Constituency in Edo State, and loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC). On parliamentary leadership, Tinubu said Ihonvbere “has helped stabilise the 10th Assembly, foster bipartisan cooperation, and ensure the Renewed Hope legislative agenda moves with focus and patriotism.”
On education, he praised Ihonvbere’s “academic pedigree and advocacy for tertiary education reform” as a source of inspiration for younger Nigerians. He also commended the House Leader’s ties to his constituency, saying the people of Owan East/West know him “as a leader who never forgets his roots, one who delivers representation with humility.”
Tinubu emphasised the political value of Ihonvbere’s counsel, noting that “your steadfastness in the All Progressives Congress and your counsel have strengthened our collective resolve to build a more prosperous Nigeria.” He praised Ihonvbere’s “wisdom, dedication, and the grace with which you carry the burdens of leadership,” and added: “Nigeria needs more of your kind of statesmanship at this critical time.”
He concluded the tribute with prayers for the lawmaker’s wellbeing: “As you celebrate this 70th birthday, may God Almighty grant you renewed strength, good health, and many more years of impactful service to our nation and people. Happy 70th birthday, Leader Ihonvbere. May your light continue to shine for Nigeria.”
