President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated renowned public health scholar, Prof. Shaffy Adeniyi Amuwo, on his 80th birthday.
He described him as a patriot whose eight decades have been defined by scholarship, leadership, service and global impact.
The President also hailed Amuwo, whom he described as a ‘dear friend and brother’ for his contributions to public health education, minority advancement and humanitarian causes in Nigeria, other parts of Africa and the United States.
In a special tribute personally signed by him yesterday, Tinubu said Amuwo’s commitment to public service, democracy and humanity had distinguished him over the years.
‘I warmly congratulate my dear friend, Prof. Shaffy Adeniyi Amuwo, on his 80th birthday today.
‘Prof. Amuwo is a scholar, a patriot, and a man of deep convictions. Over the years, I have come to value his wisdom, his commitment to public service and democracy, and his unwavering love for Lagos and Nigeria’, the President said.
Tinubu noted that Amuwo, as an academic and public intellectual, had made significant contributions to public health education and infrastructure, adding that his interventions had enriched policy discussions in the sector.
According to him, the professor’s counsel had also been a source of strength to many people, including himself.
The President particularly highlighted Amuwo’s pioneering ‘Pipelines/Pathways to Health Professions’ programme, which he said created opportunities for thousands of minority students to pursue careers and obtain degrees in the health professions.
Tinubu added that Amuwo’s commitment to public health and the advancement of minorities earned him a commendation on the floor of the United States Congress in 2004, followed by the establishment of a Minority Scholarship Fund in his name by the US Congress.
He also recalled the celebrant’s numerous medical and humanitarian missions, through which he facilitated medical supplies and eyeglasses valued at more than $50 million for African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.
‘Prof. Amuwo is also known for his many medical and humanitarian missions that helped facilitate over $50 million worth of medical supplies and eyeglasses to African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa,’ he said.
The President added that Amuwo contributed his expertise to the development of public health infrastructure in Lagos State while serving on the Governing Board of Lagos State University.
He further acknowledged the professor’s religious service, noting that as a devout Muslim, he occupied several leadership positions within the Nigerian Muslim community in the United States and contributed to the propagation of Islam in Nigeria and beyond.
Beyond his professional and humanitarian achievements, Tinubu described Amuwo as a loyal friend who had maintained enduring relationships over the decades.
‘To his other friends and me, he gave the gift of friendship and loyalty.
‘In essence, most of Prof. Amuwo’s 80 years are hallmarked by scholarship, leadership, service, global impact, and commitment to friendship’, the President said.
Tinubu added that Amuwo’s life represents sustained service to Nigeria and humanity through intellect and integrity.
‘On this day, therefore, I celebrate a friend, a brother, and a compatriot who continues to serve Nigeria and humanity with intellect and integrity’, he said.
The President prayed for more years of good health, strength and fulfilment for the octogenarian.
‘I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him more years in good health, renewed strength, and greater joy. May his life continue to be a blessing to his family, students, professional associates, friends, and our nation.”