President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa have paid glowing tributes to elder statesman and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, on yesterday’s celebration of his 88th birthday.
The President described Falae’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution and national development as significant chapters in the nation’s history.
In a birthday message yesterday, the President particularly acknowledged Falae’s role in the pro-democracy struggle, saying his courage and commitment to constitutional rule during one of Nigeria’s most difficult political periods earned him an enduring place in the nation’s history.
Falae is a former Minister of Finance and one-time presidential candidate; he currently holds the chieftaincy title of Baale Oluabo of Ilu Abo and the Gbobaniyi of Akure.
In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the elder statesman as a patriot whose life has been defined by public service and commitment to Nigeria.
He recalled Falae’s prominent role in the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the broad coalition formed in 1994 amid agitation for the restoration of democratic government following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The President said Falae and other pro-democracy campaigners defended constitutional government and citizens’ rights, despite the personal risks associated with opposing military rule at the time.
‘Chief Falae is a patriot whose life reflects a deep commitment to the service of our nation. As a co-founder and prominent figure in the NADECO movement, he was among Nigerians who struggled for the restoration of democratic governance and defended the principles of constitutional rule and citizens’ rights even at a risk to their lives.
‘His contributions to public administration, economic development and the struggle for democracy are significant chapters in our national journey,’ President Tinubu said.
Beyond the struggle for democracy, the President applauded Falae’s record in public administration, recalling his service as SGF and Minister of Finance, as well as his wider contributions as an administrator in the private and public sectors.
President Tinubu said the sacrifices of Falae’s generation should be a reminder of the responsibility of the present generation to continue strengthening the country’s democratic institutions and pursuing national prosperity.
‘On this special day, I celebrate your extraordinary courage, wisdom and dedication to Nigeria. Your generation played an important role in defending the political emancipation of our people, and their sacrifice reminds us of our collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and build a more prosperous nation,’ the President said.
Falae remains one of the prominent surviving figures associated with the pro-democracy movement that challenged military rule in the 1990s and pressed for the restoration of civilian government.
President Tinubu, himself a prominent participant in the NADECO struggle, has repeatedly highlighted the coalition’s role in the campaign against military dictatorship and for the restoration of democratic governance.
The President prayed for good health, wisdom and renewed strength for Falae, expressing hope that the elder statesman would continue to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
Also, in a congratulatory message yesterday in Akure, the state capital, on behalf of the state government and its people by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Governor Aiyedatiwa celebrated the traditional ruler for his contributions to public service, community development and the promotion of peace.
The governor described Oba Falae as an accomplished public servant and respected traditional ruler.
He noted that Oba Falae’s wealth of experience and wisdom have continued to benefit his community and the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also acknowledged the monarch’s service to the country, particularly his tenure as SGF and Minister of Finance.
According to the governor, Oba Falae’s role as a prominent Yoruba leader has also contributed to his influence in the development and unity of the people.
He prayed for ‘continued good health, long life and greater wisdom for the monarch, as well as more years of fruitful service’ to Ilu-Abo and the state as a whole.
Aiyedatiwa wished Oba Falae a happy 88th birthday and lauded the monarch’s enduring contributions to society.