Tinubu, Gowon, Obasanjo, Jonathan Celebrate Boss Mustapha At 70

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Goodluck Jonathan have celebrated former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, as he clocks 70.

In separate birthday messages, the leaders described Mustapha as a statesman, patriot and accomplished public servant, while commending his contributions to national development and his service to the country.

Tinubu, in a tribute to the former SGF, said he was an exceptional leader, a devoted public servant, a patriot, and a brother.

Mustapha served as SGF between 2017 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to Tinubu, Mustapha provided the calm head and steady hand during some of the country’s most turbulent periods, particularly while coordinating government policies and initiatives.

The President also stated Mustapha’s role as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, saying he led the national response to the pandemic and helped save millions of lives.

“Today, I join family, friends, and millions of Nigerians to celebrate an exceptional leader, devoted public servant, a patriot, and a brother, Boss Mustapha, as he marks his 70th birthday. Most of Boss Mustapha’s seven decades on earth have been defined by service, humility, and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria.

“As Secretary to the Government of the Federation from 2017 to 2023 during the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, he was the calm head and steady hand during some of our nation’s most turbulent moments. From steering the Federal Executive Council to coordinating government policies and initiatives, he worked efficiently and effectively,” President Tinubu said.

Tinubu also said Mustapha had left behind a legacy of quiet effectiveness and institutional memory that Nigeria would continue to draw from.

Also, former President Obasanjo congratulated Mustapha on attaining a landmark age of 70, praising his record of service to Nigeria.

In a letter dated 17 August 2026, Obasanjo described the milestone as a platinum jubilee, saying Mustapha had reached the age with grace, good health, and a profound record of dedicated service to our fatherland.

Obasanjo also acknowledged an invitation to attend the birthday thanksgiving and celebration scheduled for Yola, Adamawa State, on 5 September.

He said he had marked the date in his calendar and looked forward to being physically present at the celebration, subject to unavoidable commitments.

“Let me seize this early opportunity to congratulate you most heartily on reaching this platinum jubilee with grace, good health, and a profound record of dedicated service to our fatherland.

“Your kind invitation to join you, your family, and friends for the Thanksgiving and celebration scheduled to take place in Yola, Adamawa State, on Saturday, 5 September 2026, is deeply appreciated,” he said.

Former Head of State, General Gowon, also joined the tributes, describing 70 as a remarkable milestone and a testimony to Mustapha’s commitment to public service and national development.

In his message dated 20 August, Gowon said Mustapha’s tenure as SGF demonstrated his “loyalty, integrity and commitment as an extraordinary public servant and a bridge builder.”

Gowon particularly recalled Mustapha’s leadership of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, praising his resilience and devotion to duty during the health emergency.

“You worked tirelessly with your team and succeeded in curtailing the spread of the virus, thereby saving the lives of millions of Nigerians,” Gowon said.

On his part, former President Jonathan also congratulated Mustapha, describing the milestone as a testament to a life of service, leadership, and enduring contributions to the development of “our great nation.”

Jonathan, in a letter dated 24 August 2026, said he prayed that God would grant the former SGF continued good health, peace, strength and many more years of fulfilment with his family and loved ones.

“This milestone is a testament to a life of service, leadership, and enduring contributions to the development of our great nation, as evidenced by your recent service as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“As you mark this remarkable anniversary, I pray that Almighty God grants you continued good health, peace, strength and many more years of fulfilment in the company of your family and loved ones,” Jonathan stated.

Mustapha is expected to celebrate the milestone with family, friends, political associates and other dignitaries at a Thanksgiving and birthday event in Yola, Adamawa State, on 5 September.