President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday paid glowing tribute to Maj. -Gen. Paul Tarfa(rtd) on his 85th birthday.
The President described him as a distinguished soldier, patriot and elder statesman whose life has been defined by honour, discipline, courage and unwavering commitment to Nigeria.
In a congratulatory message to him, the President praised Tarfa’s decades of service to the country, saying his contributions to national unity, peace and development have continued long after he retired from the military.
Tinubu particularly commended him for his leadership as Chairman of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), noting that he has brought his wealth of experience and strategic insight to the task of rebuilding communities devastated by insurgency.
‘My dear General, as Chairman of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), you continue to exemplify purposeful leadership, bringing to bear your vast experience and strategic insight in supporting the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and sustainable development of communities devastated by years of insurgency’, the President said.
He added that Tarfa’s military career and post-service engagements reflected an enduring commitment to Nigeria’s unity, peace and progress.
‘Your life has been defined by honour, discipline, courage, and commitment to the service of our great nation. Throughout your illustrious military career and in retirement, you remained steadfast in devotion to Nigeria’s unity, peace, and progress’, Tinubu stated.
The President also described the retired general as a respected mentor whose calm disposition, sound judgment and selfless approach to public service have earned him admiration across generations.
‘I have always admired your calm disposition, sound judgment, and selfless approach to national service. These enduring qualities have earned you the respect of generations of Nigerians and have made you a worthy mentor to younger leaders across the country’, he said.
Tinubu thanked Tarfa for what he described as a lifetime of sacrifice, patriotism and exemplary leadership, assuring him that the nation remained grateful for his invaluable contributions to nation-building and humanity.
‘On this special day, I salute you for a lifetime of sacrifice, patriotism, and exemplary leadership. Nigeria remains grateful for your invaluable contributions to nation-building and your continued service to humanity’, the President said.