President Bola Tinubu, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), have congratulated former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on his 70th birthday.
Mustapha, who served as SGF under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, clocks 70 on Friday, September 4.
In a congratulatory message personally signed by him, Tinubu described Mustapha as “an exceptional leader, devoted public servant, patriot and a brother whose decades on earth have been defined by service, humility and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria.”
The President recalled Mustapha’s role as SGF during Buhari’s administration, describing him as “the calm head and steady hand during some of our nation’s turbulent moments.”
“From steering the Federal Executive Council to coordinating government policies and initiatives, he worked efficiently and effectively,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu particularly commended Mustapha’s leadership of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, saying he played a key role in Nigeria’s response to the pandemic.
“Mustapha discharged his duties in a way that made Nigeria a shining example in Africa and beyond, in combating that public health emergency. For this, our country must remain forever grateful,” he said.
According to Tinubu, Mustapha handled his responsibilities with “diligence, integrity, and grace,” even under pressure.
He described the former SGF as a devoted family man and community leader from Adamawa, adding that he regarded him as a friend and brother with whom he had navigated several political struggles, including the June 12 political crisis.
Tinubu also recalled Mustapha’s political career, noting that he chaired the Adamawa chapter of the defunct Social Democratic Party and served as Deputy National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, one of the parties that later merged with others to form the All Progressives Congress.
“At 70, he leaves behind a legacy of quiet effectiveness and institutional memory that our country will draw from,” Tinubu said, praying for the former SGF’s continued good health.
In his congratulatory message, Obasanjo described Mustapha’s 70th birthday as a milestone, commending him for reaching the age “with grace, good health, and a profound record of dedicated service to our fatherland.”
“As you step into this new decade of your life, I pray that Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health, sound wisdom and renewed strength to keep contributing to our community and nation,” Obasanjo said.
Gowon, in his message, described Mustapha’s life as “a compelling testimony to excellence in public service and dedication to national development.”
He praised the former SGF as a “bridge builder” who demonstrated loyalty, integrity and commitment while in office.
Gowon also commended Mustapha’s role in the country’s COVID-19 response.
“You worked tirelessly with your team and succeeded in curtailing the spread of the virus thereby saving the lives of millions of Nigerians,” he said.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, also congratulated Mustapha, describing his career as one marked by exceptional accomplishments, patriotism, intellectual depth, administrative excellence and commitment to public service and nation-building.
“As a lawyer, businessman, politician and consummate administrator, you have distinguished yourself through decades of dedicated service to our dear nation,” Abiodun said.
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Former President Jonathan described Mustapha’s 70th birthday as “a milestone” and a testament to “a life of service, leadership and enduring contributions to the development of our great nation.”
He prayed for the celebrant’s continued good health, peace, strength and many more years of fulfilment.
Former Senate President, Pius Anyim, said Mustapha’s years of service, particularly his tenure as SGF, demonstrated his administrative experience, leadership capacity and understanding of the complexities of governance.
“Beyond that, your greatest legacy lies in the values you have consistently demonstrated which are discipline, humility, fear of God, patriotism, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to public good,” Anyim said.
Former Ogun State Governor and Senator, Ibikunle Amosun, also described Mustapha as a seasoned lawyer, astute administrator and renowned politician who had demonstrated strength of character and competence in public service.
Meanwhile, 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.
