the president of Nigeria, 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 members and political associates in Lagos to celebrate the 80th birthday of the elder statesman and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George.
The event also featured the formal launch of the memoirs of the retired military man and politician.
In his address, President Tinubu described Chief George as a distinguished Nigerian leader and prominent politician who has lived a life dedicated to national service and his home state of Lagos.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, Tinubu said: “At 80 years old, Chief George has lived a full life. He dedicated his life to this country with a distinguished career in the military. As an outstanding leader and a ‘Lagos boy’, as he proudly calls himself, he has demonstrated devotion and undisguised love for Nigeria and Lagos.”
The President said he was delighted to receive George’s invitation, noting that it reflected the enduring spirit of Lagos and Nigeria: shared history, kinship and neighborliness.
Tinubu stressed that despite their longstanding political differences dating back to 1999, mutual respect has never been lost.
“As politicians, we may disagree. Still, the values that unite us as members of a household living in different rooms are more durable and stronger,” he said.
He also lightened the mood with a humorous reference to Chief George’s earlier public statement that he would go into exile if Tinubu became president.
“I begged him then to change his mind 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.
“Many of your suggestions seem very valuable and enriching to me,” he said.
Speaking on the newly released memoir, Tinubu said the book captures George’s early life in Lagos, his education, his military career, his tenure as military governor of the former 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 about public service, partisan 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 very much, Baba, for being part of my political journey,” Makinde said.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed described George as a man who is cerebral and committed to achieving any task he sets his mind to.
“I know this man as a cerebral person, someone who can do anything to achieve his task. He has seen it all in political spaces and also in the military. You always left your mark, you always distinguished yourself as an elder statesman and a detribalized Nigerian. We are with you,” he said.
In his remarks, Chief Bode George expressed his gratitude to all the 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.