Tinubu, Jonathan, Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Ike Nwachukwu, Others Hail Bode George At 80 ….Everything About Him Is Top Notch- Ooni Ogunwusi

President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde of Bauchi and Oyo states respectively as well as former External Affairs Minister, Major Gen Ike Nwachukwu rtd among many others have congratulated the former deputy national chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George who celebrated his 80th birthday in Lagos on Friday with the public presentation of two books:

“Unfiltered: A Chronicle of Selected Speeches and Bode George: From the Craddle, To the Seas, To the Podium, An Autobiography Of A Nigerian Trailblazer.”

Other notable dignitaries at the event also included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, former Govs Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Babangida Aliyu (Nigeria), Sen Gbenga Daniel, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwanso.

Also as the event were the newly elected PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, the PDP National Secretary, PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, Aro of the Source, Chief Alex Duduyemi, Olori Ladun Sijuade, Margaret Shonekan, the widow of former head of Interim Government, Chief Earnest Adegunle Shonekan, Publisher of Vanguard newspaper, Chief Sam Amuka Pemu, former head of naval staff, Admiral Adelanwa, retired military officers, friends and families.

Tinubu, whose address was read by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, at the birthday reception held at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, applauded George’s service to the nation.

Tinubu said he was delighted to honour George, whom he described as an elder brother and respected Lagos resident.

He said George had lived a full life dedicated to serving Nigeria through a distinguished military and public career.

Tinubu noted that George proudly described himself as a “Lagos boy,” reflecting his deep love for his state of birth.

He said the celebration was a tribute to a patriot, statesman and outstanding politician.

The President said he was pleased when he received George’s invitation to attend the event.

He described the invitation as embodying the Lagos spirit of shared history and good neighbourliness.

Tinubu said the event showed that politicians could disagree yet still uphold values that bind them as one national family.

He noted that he and George had been on opposite political sides since 1999.

Tinubu stressed that political differences never diminished his admiration for George as a leader.

He added that mutual respect had always existed between them despite years of political rivalry.

The President said he was grateful that George marked his 80th birthday in good health.

He recalled George’s past vow to go into exile if he became President.

Tinubu said he urged George then to stay in Nigeria, assuring him of collective efforts for peace and prosperity.

He acknowledged that George had since offered valuable advice through various interventions on national issues.

Tinubu described the memoir as a detailed account of George’s life, education and military service.

He said the book also covered George’s roles as military governor, PDP leader and former NPA chairman.

The President urged Nigerians to support the launch and wished George continued health and greater service to the nation.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Occasion, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), eulogised George’s virtues of resilience and determination in his life journey.

Nwachukwu, who was represented Chief Dele Ogedengbe, a legal luminary and two-term attorney general of Ondo State said that George demonstrated a life of resilience and determination in spite of all set backs.

“Bode George has gone through a lot in life, prosecuted , convicted, imprisoned, yet he kept fighting until he was exonerated by the Supreme Court. Throughout, he remained steadfast and focused,” Nwachukwu said.

He urged youth Nigerians to emulate George’s resilience and determination and never give up in the face of any challenge.

To Ooni Ogunwusi Adeyeye Enitan, Ojaja ii, everything about the celebrant who holds the chieftaincy title of Atona Oodua in Ile-Ife ‘is a top notch’.

In his commendation, the Ooni of Ife, who described George as a proud traditional title holder of Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, giving to him by his forefathers, said that the Yoruba leader had distinguished himself.

Ogunwusi said, “Chief Olabode George is very refined. Everything about him is topnotch and inspiring. Thank you for being there for the throne of Oodua.”

The Oba, who offered special prayer for George, prayed God to grant him grace to continue to shine.

Speaking, Jonathan, who was represented by Col. Paul Edor-Obi (rtd) said that George’s 80th birthday described George as a mentor and father.

Jonathan said: “This milestone is a testimony to a life of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to our nation. 

“Over the decades, you distinguished yourself as a professional, elder statesman, and a political leader.  Your contributions to Nigerian democratic development and national unity remain deeply appreciated.

“You have demonstrated uncommon courage in standing with conviction, and have shown remarkable consistency in promoting justice, peace, and good governance.”

He said that George’s autobiography would inspire the generations to come.

Speaking, Makinde described George as general that could not be push over in character, courage and discipline.

Makinde said: ” Thank you so much for being a part of my political journey.”

According to him, George’s story teaches everyone going through any trails and persecutors of certainty of a safe arrival at desired destination.

His counterpart, Mohammed, described George as an “outstanding figure we are all proud of. I know him as a cerebral leader.”

The Bauchi governor, also described George as detribalised Nigerian and a collosus who always says his mind.

Chief Kessington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu), represented by his son, Chief Oladipupo Adebutu, congratulated George on his the milestone of 80 years, describing him as a leader of note.

Adebutu, who launched George’s autobiography with N20 million, applauded him for leading a life of courage and discipline