President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended former Plateau State Governor Ambassador Fidelis Naanmiap Tapgun for his contributions to peacebuilding and national unity particularly his role in efforts to restore peace during the Jos crisis.
The President gave the commendation while congratulating the elder statesman on his 85th birthday describing him as a distinguished public servant whose leadership and commitment to national development have left enduring legacies.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga Tinubu praised Tapgun’s dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence and promoting development in Plateau State and Nigeria.
The President particularly acknowledged the former governor’s involvement in peacebuilding initiatives during the Jos crisis describing his efforts as invaluable to the pursuit of harmony and stability.
Tinubu also celebrated Tapgun’s distinguished career spanning the civil service politics diplomacy and the Federal Executive Council noting that his contributions reflected a lifetime of commitment to public service.
A native of Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State Tapgun spent 27 years in the state’s civil service occupying several important positions before venturing into partisan politics.
He was elected governor of Plateau State on the platform of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and assumed office in January 1992 marking a significant milestone in his political career.
Following Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999 Tapgun was appointed the country’s Ambassador to Kenya in 2000 before subsequently serving as Minister of Industry in 2005.
President Tinubu described the former governor diplomat and minister as an elder statesman whose experience and contributions to governance remained worthy of recognition.
He joined Tapgun’s family friends associates and well-wishers in celebrating his 85th birthday and honouring his record of leadership and service to the nation.
The President prayed for renewed strength sound health peace and many more fulfilling years for the former governor.