# Nigerian presidential tributes to notable citizens

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigerian-presidential-tributes-to-notable-citizens
> Updated: 2026-10-10T04:06:10.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 4.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued several tributes to prominent figures marking milestone birthdays.

In early September, the President and other dignitaries celebrated the 70th birthday of Archbishop Francis Wale Oke, founder of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, and the 75th birthday of scholar and literary critic Professor Adebayo Williams. The celebrations for Archbishop Oke included attendance by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor Seyi Makinde.

Following these events, President Tinubu honored Professor Shaffy Adeniyi Amuwo on his 80th birthday, recognizing his contributions to public health, scholarship, and humanitarian efforts. Professor Amuwo was noted for his work in medical missions across Africa and his efforts in minority advancement in the United States.

In October, the President issued a congratulatory message to retired General Alani Ipoola Akinrinade on his 87th birthday. Describing him as a ‘principled patriot and a gallant soldier’, Tinubu highlighted the General’s military service as both Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff. The President also recognized Akinrinade’s role in Nigeria’s democratic development through his leadership in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and characterized him as a ‘hero of the Fourth Republic’ who contributed to national unity.

Most recently, President Tinubu issued a tribute to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on his 70th birthday. Describing Alake as a ‘dependable, principled, and forthright ally’, the President noted his history as a frontline journalist who opposed military dictatorship. Tinubu also commended Alake’s previous tenure as the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy and his current leadership in the solid minerals sector. Reflections on Alake’s character describe him as a man of conviction with a distinct personal style, noted for being ‘difficult to reach but deeply engaging’ when providing his time.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Dele Alake celebrates 70th birthday

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, celebrated his 70th birthday on October 6.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dele-alake-celebrates-70th-birthday

### 2026-10-06: Bola Tinubu celebrates Dele Alake’s 70th birthday

President Bola Tinubu congratulated Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake on his 70th birthday, praising his integrity and his history of service in journalism and public administration.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bola-tinubu-celebrates-dele-alakes-70th-birthday

### 2026-09-15: Bola Tinubu honors Professor Shaffy Amuwo on 80th birthday

President Bola Tinubu honored Professor Shaffy Adeniyi Amuwo on his 80th birthday, citing his significant contributions to public health, minority education, and humanitarian aid in Africa.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bola-tinubu-honors-professor-shaffy-amuwo-on-80th-birthday

### 2026-09-09: Nigerian leaders celebrate birthdays of Archbishop Wale Oke and Prof. Adebayo Williams

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other Nigerian leaders have celebrated the 70th birthday of Archbishop Francis Wale Oke and the 75th birthday of scholar Professor Adebayo Williams.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-tinubu-honors-archbishop-wale-oke-on-70th-birthday

---
Cite as: Nigerian presidential tributes to notable citizens. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigerian-presidential-tributes-to-notable-citizens