President celebrates Kalu at 55, Lalong on 63rd birthday, Yakmut at 65
• Tinubu lauds ex-Plateau governor’s leadership, reconciliation efforts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu on yesterday’s celebration of his 55th birthday, and former
• Tinubu lauds ex-Plateau governor’s leadership, reconciliation efforts
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu on yesterday’s celebration of his 55th birthday, and former Plateau State governor and senator representing Plateau South, Simon Lalong, on attaining 63 years.
He also felicitated the Chairman of Plateau United Football Club and District Head of Chanso in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Dr. Al-Hassan Saleh Yakmut, on his 65th birthday.
President Tinubu applauded Kalu’s leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.
The President praised the Deputy Speaker for what he called exemplary leadership, dedication to legislative excellence, and unwavering commitment to strengthening democratic institutions in the country.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu noted that the Deputy Speaker has distinguished himself through intellect, patriotism, and constructive engagement in lawmaking.
He also acknowledged Kalu’s role in fostering unity and collaboration within the House of Representatives, as well as his advocacy for policies aimed at promoting good governance, economic growth, and social cohesion across the country.
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“President Tinubu acknowledges Kalu’s role in fostering unity and collaboration within the House of Representatives, as well as his advocacy for policies that promote good governance, economic growth, and social cohesion nationwide,” the statement said.
Congratulating the lawmaker, the President offered prayers for continued strength and wisdom in the discharge of his responsibilities.
“As you celebrate this special day, I pray for good health, wisdom, and strength in the discharge of your responsibilities to your people and to the nation at large.
“I wish you more years of impactful service to Nigeria and humanity,” the President stated.
President Tinubu described Lalong as a leader whose legacy is defined by courage, reconciliation and service.
In another statement by Onanuga, the President rejoiced with the former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, noting that his leadership trajectory reflects consistency and dedication across different levels of governance.
President Tinubu said Lalong’s tenure as governor of Plateau State between 2015 and 2023 came at a critical period in the state’s history, marked by deep-seated tensions and security challenges.
“Lalong’s leadership is particularly remarkable. As governor, he chose the difficult path of peace and reconciliation in that volatile North-Central state over division and disharmony,” the President said.
He added that the former governor would be remembered for taking bold steps to restore order and rebuild trust among communities.
“His tenure as governor will always be remembered for the bold steps he took to restore order, rebuild trust, and lay the foundation for peace when it was most uncertain,” President Tinubu stated.
The President also applauded Lalong’s contributions to the emergence of the current administration, highlighting his role as Director-General of the Renewed Hope Presidential Campaign in 2023.
According to him, the former governor demonstrated “strategic depth and leadership at the highest level,” both during the campaign and in his brief service as Minister of Labour and Employment.
President Tinubu also described the lawmaker as a strong and consistent voice for his constituents, guided by experience garnered from years in both public and private sectors.
“Senator Lalong remains a strong voice for his people, guided by wisdom earned through years of dedicated service in the private and public sectors,” he said.
The President prayed for continued good health, renewed strength and greater accomplishments for the former governor in the years ahead.
Congratulating Dr. Yakmut at 65, President Tinubu applauded his enduring contributions to sports development and nation-building.
He described the former Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) as a distinguished sports administrator whose career has spanned multiple facets of Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem.
President Tinubu traced Yakmut’s journey from his early days as a professional volleyball player to his roles as a Senior Sports Officer in the Ministry of Sports and later as a strategic adviser to successive Ministers of Sports.
The President said Yakmut’s influence in football administration and grassroots sports development has left a lasting legacy, particularly in nurturing talents and expanding opportunities for young athletes across the country.
“Your contributions as a football administrator, trusted adviser to top sports executives, and a champion of grassroots development have left an indelible mark on sports as a unifying force in the nation,” he said.
President Tinubu recalled that through Yakmut’s guidance, “opportunities have been created, talents have been nurtured, and the future of football has been strengthened”.
The President said his passion and commitment continue to inspire both on and off the field.
He wished the Plateau State traditional ruler and sports administrator good health, continued success, and many more years of impactful service.
