Tinubu Greets Former First Lady, Margaret Shonekan, On Her Birthday

President Bola Tinubu has sent warm greetings to the former First Lady, Chief Margaret Shonekan, on her 84th birthday, October 28, 2025.

In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President celebrates the wife of the former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, and the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United African Company (UAC), whose exemplary humility and kindness continue to inspire.

“Mrs Shonekan devoted her entire career to strengthening public institutions, promoting effective service delivery, providing qualitative and reliable educational assessments for students, encouraging academic and moral excellence, and promoting human resource development.

“She started her career as a Trainee Assistant Registrar at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in 1965, Deputy Registrar, Federal Civil Service Commissioner, 1986 till 1994, and later Head of the National Office of WAEC, 1995-2000, at a most difficult time.

” I commend her patriotism, courage and commitment to the development of education in Nigeria, exemplified by her return to her former office, WAEC, in 1994 after serving as Nigeria’s first lady for three months”, the President said.

The President prayed for Mama’s continued well-being and beseeched God to grant her good health, strength, and a sound mind.