Tinubu celebrates Femi Okunnu at 93, Ita-Giwa at 80, Anyim at 65
• President applauds ex-Federal Commissioner’s role in post-civil war infrastructure drive • Hails ‘Mama Bakassi’ for breaking political glass ceiling, inspiring women in public life • ‘Ex-Senate President is bridge-builder,
• President applauds ex-Federal Commissioner’s role in post-civil war infrastructure drive
• Hails ‘Mama Bakassi’ for breaking political glass ceiling, inspiring women in public life
• ‘Ex-Senate President is bridge-builder, ally of progressives’
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday sent warm greetings to elder statesman and distinguished lawyer, Femi Okunnu, on his 93rd birthday.
The President praised his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure development, legal evolution and national unity.
President Tinubu also eulogised a former presidential aide, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, on her 80th birthday.
He also congratulated former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim on his 65th birthday.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Okunnu as a towering figure whose career, which began in the 1960s, left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political and economic history.
He particularly highlighted Okunnu’s tenure as Federal Commissioner for Works between 1967 and 1971, a period during which he supervised the construction of major roads and bridges that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria’s infrastructural network.
“As Federal Commissioner of Works, Alhaji Okunnu oversaw landmark infrastructural projects that remain reference points in Nigeria’s development journey,” the statement said.
The President noted that beyond his role in public service, Okunnu distinguished himself in the legal profession. He was called to the English Bar on February 9, 1960, and admitted to the Nigerian Bar on September 16 of the same year, embarking on a career that would span decades of advocacy, mentorship and landmark litigation.
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Elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in July 1992, Okunnu handled cases that have become defining precedents in the country’s political and economic jurisprudence.
His contributions to legal scholarship through publications and mentorship were also acknowledged by the President.
President Tinubu described the nonagenarian as 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 praised Okunnu’s unwavering commitment to nation-building, noting that his guidance and statesmanship have continued to resonate across generations.
“As he turns 93, we celebrate not only his longevity but also a life devoted to service, integrity and national development,” the statement added.
President Tinubu prayed that Almighty God would grant the elder statesman renewed strength, good health and longer life to continue serving the nation and humanity.
Congratulating prominent Cross River politician, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, on her 80th birthday, the President described her as a resilient and courageous Nigerian who helped break the political glass ceiling.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President joined Ita-Giwa’s family and friends to celebrate the milestone, acknowledging her decades of service to the nation.
President Tinubu noted that Ita-Giwa represented Cross River South Senatorial District in the Senate between 1999 and 2003, and served in other key public offices during Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
The President recalled that Ita-Giwas also served as the National Republican Convention (NRC) Chairman for Delta State and was elected into the House of Representatives between 1992 and 1993.
He said her political trajectory reflected uncommon resilience, adding that she charted a less-travelled path for women in leadership.
President Tinubu also hailed Ita-Giwa’s advocacy for the Bakassi Peninsula, a cause that earned her the popular nickname “Mama Bakassi”.
The statement described her as a politician whose impassioned commitment to the Bakassi cause set an example for other women, particularly in public service and political participation.
President Tinubu also hailed the erstwhile senator for her contributions to policy formulation, law-making and the broader political development of Nigeria.
He wished her continued good health and strength as she marked her 80th birthday.
In felicitating Anyim, President Tinubu described the former Senate President and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) as a bridge-builder and an exemplary leader in Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a goodwill message yesterday to mark Anyim’s 65th birthday, the President said the former Senate President has remained a constant figure in national politics since 1998, a longevity he noted reflects his capacity to work with stakeholders across party lines.
“With joy, I congratulate Chief Anyim Pius Anyim on his 65th birthday today, February 19,” the President said.
President Tinubu said Anyim’s record in public service showed courage and principle, recalling his tenure as President of the Senate where he resisted attempts to undermine the integrity of the National Assembly.
“As President of the Senate, he stood up against attempts to besmirch the integrity of the National Assembly; he chose the uncomfortable and unpopular path,” he said.
The President also highlighted Anyim’s service as SGF, noting that he contributed to reforms and remained a prominent voice for unity, dialogue, and development.
“Serving as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim contributed his quota to deepening reforms and, as a prominent leader, has often advanced matters of unity, dialogue, and development,” he said.
President Tinubu also described the former Senate President as “a believer in the promise of a greater, more prosperous Nigeria” and “an invaluable ally in the progressive family”.
The President prayed for Anyim’s continued good health and strength, saying the country needed more patriots committed to peace and national development.
“As he celebrates his 65th birthday, I wish him good health and strength, especially as our nation needs more patriots who will always ensure its peace, progress, and development,” President Tinubu added.
