Tinubu, Ooni, govs hail Olabode George at 80

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Friday joined dignitaries, family, and political associates in Lagos to celebrate the 80th birthday of elder statesman and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Olabode George.

The event also featured the formal launch of the memoir of the retired military officer and politician.

Delivering his remarks, President Tinubu described Chief George as a distinguished Nigerian, leader, and outstanding politician who has lived a life dedicated to national service and to his home state of Lagos.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, Tinubu said, “At 80, Chief George has lived a full life. He dedicated his life to this country with a distinguished career in the military. As a leader of note and a ‘Lagos boy,’ as he proudly calls himself, he has demonstrated devotion and undisguised love for Nigeria and for Lagos.”

The President said he was delighted to receive George’s invitation, noting that it reflected the enduring Lagos and Nigerian spirit one of shared history, kinship, and neighbourliness.

Tinubu emphasized that despite their long-standing political differences dating back to 1999, mutual respect had never been lost.

“As politicians, we may disagree. Still, the values that bind us together as members of one household living in different rooms are more enduring and stronger,” he said.

He also lightened the mood with a humorous reference to Chief George’s earlier public declaration that he would go into exile if Tinubu became President.

“I pleaded with him then that he would have a change of heart because we would all remain in Nigeria and work together for a peaceful and prosperous nation,” Tinubu added, describing George’s presence at the celebration as a moment of joy.

Tinubu acknowledged that since the beginning of his administration, George has offered valuable suggestions and interventions on national issues.

“I find many of his suggestions very valuable and enriching,” he noted.

Speaking on the newly launched memoir, Tinubu said the book captures George’s early life in Lagos, his education, military career, tenure as Military Governor of old Ondo State, his role in the PDP, and his service as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

“I have no doubt that the memoir will provide invaluable lessons on public service, party politics, and military doctrine,” he said.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, praised the celebrant, describing his support as crucial to his political journey.

“Let me publicly say thank you so much, Baba, for being part of my political journey,” Makinde said.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, described George as cerebral and a man committed to achieving any task he sets his mind to.

“I know this man as a cerebral person, somebody who can do anything to achieve his task. He has seen it all in political spaces and also in the military. You always made the mark always distinguished yourself as an elder statesman and detribalized Nigerian. We are with you,” he said.

In his remarks, Chief Bode George expressed gratitude to all guests present, including the Chairman of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi.

“I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude to Almighty God, who has guided me for eight decades. I am grateful to see all of you gathered here to celebrate with me today,” he said.