President Bola Tinubu, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and former military Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, have congratulated former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, on his 70th birthday.
Mustapha, who served as SGF under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, clocks 70 on Friday, September 4, with President Bola Tinubu describing him in a personally signed congratulatory message as “an exceptional leader, devoted public servant, patriot and a brother” whose life has been defined by service, humility and commitment to Nigeria.
Tinubu recalled Mustapha’s role as SGF during some of the country’s most challenging periods, describing him as “the calm head and steady hand” who helped coordinate government policies and initiatives.
According to the President, Mustapha efficiently coordinated the Federal Executive Council and worked to ensure the smooth implementation of government programmes.
Tinubu particularly praised his role as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, saying his leadership during the pandemic helped Nigeria respond effectively to the public health emergency and save lives.
“Mustapha discharged his duties in a way that made Nigeria a shining example in Africa and beyond, in combating that public health emergency,” Tinubu said.
The President also praised Mustapha’s diligence, integrity and ability to manage complex government responsibilities under pressure.
He described the former SGF as a devoted family man and community leader from Adamawa State, adding that their relationship extended beyond politics.
“To me, he is a friend and brother with whom we navigated different political struggles, including the June 12 debacle,” Tinubu said.
The President also recalled Mustapha’s political activities, including his chairmanship of the Adamawa chapter of the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP, and his position as Deputy National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, which later joined other parties to form the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Also Read: Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu mourn as Publisher Oladipo dies at 56
Tinubu said Mustapha had, at 70, left behind a legacy of “quiet effectiveness and institutional memory” from which Nigeria would continue to benefit.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also congratulated Mustapha, describing his 70th birthday as a significant milestone marked by good health and decades of dedicated service to Nigeria.
Obasanjo prayed for continued good health, wisdom and renewed strength for the former SGF to enable him to continue contributing to his community and the country.
Similarly, former military Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, described Mustapha’s life as a testimony to excellence in public service and dedication to national development.
Gowon praised him as a bridge builder who demonstrated loyalty, integrity and commitment during his tenure as SGF.
He also commended Mustapha for his resilience and leadership as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
“You worked tirelessly with your team and succeeded in curtailing the spread of the virus thereby saving the lives of millions of Nigerians,” Gowon said.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his congratulatory message, described Mustapha’s career as one marked by patriotism, intellectual depth, administrative excellence and commitment to nation-building.
Abiodun said Mustapha had distinguished himself as a lawyer, businessman, politician and administrator through decades of service to Nigeria.
He particularly praised his tenure as SGF, saying he used his experience to facilitate inter-ministerial collaboration and support the implementation of government policies and programmes.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan also described Mustapha’s attainment of 70 as a significant milestone and a testament to a life of service, leadership and contributions to national development.
Jonathan said Mustapha’s record, particularly his service as SGF, demonstrated his commitment to the progress of Nigeria.
He prayed for continued good health, peace, strength and many more years of fulfilment for the former SGF.
Former Senate President Pius Anyim Pius also congratulated Mustapha, saying his years of public service demonstrated considerable administrative experience, leadership capacity and an understanding of the complexities of governance.
Anyim said Mustapha’s greatest legacy extended beyond the offices he occupied, pointing to values such as discipline, humility, patriotism, wisdom and commitment to the public good.
Former Ogun State Governor and Senator Ibikunle Amosun described Mustapha as a seasoned lawyer, astute administrator and politician whose life had been marked by remarkable accomplishments.
Amosun said Mustapha had demonstrated strength of character and competence in public service, particularly during his tenure as SGF.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mustapha is expected to mark his 70th birthday with the inauguration of a library he donated to a university in Yola, Adamawa State.
He is also expected to be hosted to a state banquet by the Adamawa State Government as part of activities marking the milestone.
NAN
