President celebrates Olusola Oke at 70, lauds contributions to law, politics

President Tinubu noted that the celebrant has successfully combined a thriving legal career with active political engagement, earning recognition across both fields.

“Oke’s professional practice as a lawyer of high reputation provided the platform that gifted him the opportunity to blossom in politics and to join others in efforts to impact his people positively,” the President said.

Highlighting Oke’s political journey, President Tinubu recalled that Oke was elected into the House of Representatives in 1992, representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, before later serving on the pioneer board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in 2000.

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The President also acknowledged Oke’s role in national politics, noting that he served as National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party between 2008 and 2012, before later joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he has remained a valuable stakeholder.

Oke played a significant role in the 2023 presidential election as Deputy Director of Legal Affairs in the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation.

Despite his unsuccessful bids for the Ondo State governorship, President Tinubu acknowledged his continued service to the state, including his tenure as Executive Chairman of the Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) in 2004.

The President prayed for more years of good health, strength, and wisdom for the elder statesman as he continues to contribute to national development.

The President acknowledged Adekunle-Johnson’s role in advancing economic opportunities across the country.

In another statement yesterday in Abuja by Onanuga, the President praised Adekunle-Johnson’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to driving the administration’s vision of sustainable job creation and MSME development.

He noted that MSMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, stressing that the presidential aide has demonstrated remarkable leadership and innovation in implementing policies and programmes that support entrepreneurship and small business growth.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Adekunle-Johnson’s continued contributions to fostering inclusive economic growth, particularly in expanding opportunities for young Nigerians and emerging entrepreneurs.

Highlighting key achievements, the President said Adekunle-Johnson has led the Expanded National MSME Clinics across several states, facilitated the establishment of 18 Shared Facility Hubs nationwide, and driven initiatives that have collectively created about 478,000 jobs.

“Working in partnership with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors, Adekunle-Johnson has led the Expanded National MSME Clinics to several states of the federation, facilitated the establishment of 18 Shared Hubs in different parts of the country with more at different stages of completion, creating about 478,000 jobs and has continuously pursued enterprise sustainability across Nigerian small businesses,” the President said.

President Tinubu also noted that under Adekunle-Johnson’s leadership, the National MSME Awards have become a key platform for promoting excellence, innovation, and hard work among small business owners, while showcasing success stories within Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Through the National MSME Awards… the government has entrenched excellence, innovation and hard work in the small business space in Nigeria by rewarding outstanding MSMEs… demonstrating to other business owners the possibilities of excellence and potential growth within Nigeria’s small business market,” he added.

The President wished the celebrant good health, greater accomplishments, and many more years of impactful service to the nation.