President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, former Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, were among the dignitaries who extolled the virtues of Chief Bode George as he marked his 80th birthday on Thursday.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, President Tinubu described the former military governor of Ondo State as a patriot who served Nigeria with distinction — both in uniform and in politics.
Tinubu commended George for presenting his memoir, adding:
“At 80, Chief George has lived a full life dedicated to serving our country. As a soldier and a ‘Lagos boy,’ he has consistently demonstrated devotion and love for Nigeria.”
The President also made a lighthearted reference to George’s 2023 declaration that he would go into exile if Tinubu became president.
“I am happy my egbon turned 80 in good health, and even happier he is celebrating here in Lagos, not in self–imposed exile,” he said. “I always believed we would remain in Nigeria to work together for the peaceful and prosperous nation we all desire.”
A Hall of Prominent Guests
The celebration, held at the Naval Dockyard, Ikoyi, attracted an array of eminent personalities, including former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Ayinde Adelanwa, former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Dele Ogedengbe (representing Gen. Ike Nwachukwu), and the Ooni of Ife.
Other guests included:
Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Prof. Femi Otubanjo (who reviewed George’s memoir), Josephine Anenih, Rebecca Aikhomu, Margaret Shonekan, Chief Joju Fadairo, Commodore Taiwo Odedina, Sam Amuka, Umar Damagum, Saminu Turaki, Ladi Adebutu, Taofeek Arapaja, Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, Supo Sasore, Akin Osuntokun, Reuben Abati, Admiral Toye Olofintuyi, Babangida Aliyu, and Prince Tokunbo Sijuade.
Tinubu hailed George as “a distinguished Nigerian, a statesman, and an outstanding politician,” noting that since his administration began, George had offered “valuable and enriching advice” on national issues.
Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Others Pay Tribute
Governor Makinde praised George for his strength of character, recalling how the elder statesman defended his right to declare his governorship ambition in Ibadan despite internal resistance within the PDP.
“In moments of trials and tribulations, we must always look up to God,” he added.
Governor Bala Mohammed described George as “a father, cerebral, hardworking, blunt, and detribalised,” noting his mentorship of many Nigerians. He lamented that George’s effort to reposition the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) eventually became “his albatross.”
Former Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ronke Okunsanya, called George her “destiny helper,” while former Attorney-General Dele Ogedengbe recalled their shared history dating back to their days as students at the University of Lagos in 1967.
Ogedengbe praised George’s resilience, noting:
“He has gone through a lot — from prosecution and imprisonment to eventual vindication by the Supreme Court. He never gave up.”
“Nigeria Is Worth Believing In” — George
In an emotional reflection, Chief George thanked guests for honouring him and recounted his long, challenging path through military service and politics.
“My journey has been long and painful,” he said. “I have seen Nigeria at its brightest and at its most challenging moments. Through victories and defeats, praise and misunderstanding, I have remained convinced that Nigeria is worth serving — and worth believing in.”
Addressing the youth, he urged hope and patriotism:
“To the young people of this great country, I say with love: Do not give up on Nigeria. Let us build a nation where unity becomes our lived reality.”
