President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his efforts at unlocking Nigeria’s maritime potential and positioning the sector as a major driver of economic growth, investment and employment.
The President, who felicitated with the former Osun State governor on his 72nd birthday, said initiatives being pursued under Oyetola’s leadership had improved efficiency in the maritime sector, attracted investment and strengthened Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry.
President Tinubu also felicitated his Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, on her 67th birthday.
He also congratulated former Jigawa State governor and erstwhile Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, on his 64th birthday.
The trio celebrated their birthdays yesterday.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said Oyetola’s stewardship of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was contributing to the implementation of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He described the minister as a renowned technocrat, shrewd administrator and committed patriot whose experience spanning the private and public sectors had continued to benefit the country.
‘Your years of service to our country as an insurance icon, public servant and political leader demonstrate your commitment to the development and prosperity of Nigeria.
‘As Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, you brought experience and dedication to the task of transforming our maritime sector into a major driver of economic growth, investment and employment.
‘I commend your contributions to the Renewed Hope Agenda, and I encourage you to remain steadfast in the service of our nation,’ the President said.
Before joining public service, Oyetola had a career in the insurance industry. He later served as Chief of Staff to the governor of Osun State before being elected governor of the state.
President Tinubu said the minister’s record in public administration and governance reflected his commitment to national development and prosperity.
The President prayed for Oyetola’s continued good health and wisdom, wishing him many more years of service to Nigeria and humanity.
President Tinubu applauded Princess Orelope-Adefulire for her contributions to Nigeria’s drive for inclusive and sustainable development.
In another statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the former Lagos State deputy governor as a dedicated public servant and development advocate, commending her commitment to implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of vulnerable Nigerians and communities.
‘I commend Princess Orelope-Adefulire’s efforts in the creation of the Presidential Council on SDGs and other advocacy groups to accelerate Nigeria’s progress towards the achievement of the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda with a focus on ‘Leaving No One Behind’,’ President Tinubu said.
He expressed confidence that Orelope-Adefulire would continue to deploy her experience and commitment in support of his administration’s development priorities and Nigeria’s aspirations for sustainable growth.
‘I believe she will continue to bring her experience, passion and commitment to bear in supporting the administration’s development agenda and Nigeria’s broader aspirations for sustainable growth.
‘I wish her good health, wisdom, strength and many more years of purposeful service to our nation and humanity,’ the President said.
Also, in a statement by Onanuga, the President joined Badaru’s family, friends and associates in celebrating what he described as the former governor’s record as an administrator, industrialist and statesman.
President Tinubu recalled Badaru’s eight-year tenure as Governor of Jigawa State between 2015 and 2023, noting his interventions in agriculture, infrastructure and social development.
He also praised Badaru’s service as Minister of Defence from August 2023 to December 2025, saying the former minister discharged his responsibilities with patriotism and commitment to the country.
The President described Badaru, who holds the traditional title of Sardaunan Ringim, as an embodiment of humility, discipline and enterprise.
He noted that the former governor successfully transitioned from the private sector, where he founded the Talamiz Group, into public service and politics.
President Tinubu also praised Badaru for his loyalty and contributions to the All Progressives Congress (APC), including his current assignment as Director-General of the Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A) campaign group.
The President prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the former Jigawa governor many more years in good health, renewed strength and continued service to Nigeria.