Tinubu celebrates Ita Giwa at 80, hails ‘Mama Bakassi’ as trailblazer
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former senator and prominent Cross River politician, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, on her 80th birthday, describing her as a resilient and courageous Nigerian who
- ...says ex-senator broke political glass ceiling, inspired women in public life
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former senator and prominent Cross River politician, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, on her 80th birthday, describing her as a resilient and courageous Nigerian who helped break the political glass ceiling.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President joined Ita Giwa’s family and friends to celebrate the milestone, while acknowledging her decades of service to the nation.
Tinubu noted that Ita Giwa represented Cross River South Senatorial District in the Senate between 1999 and 2003, and also served in other key public offices during Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
The President recalled that the former senator served as National Republican Convention (NRC) chairman for Delta State and was elected into the House of Representatives between 1992 and 1993.
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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.
Tinubu further commended the former 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.
