President celebrates Erogbogbo at 99, Amaechi at 60
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to Alhaji Ashafa Ajibola Erogbogbo on yesterday’s celebration of his 99th birthday.
The President also congratulated former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi who clocked 60 years on Tuesday.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said: “Alhaji Erogbogbo has led a life worthy of celebration. His story is one of steadfast dedication — to family, to work, and to his community. As he turns 99, I join family, friends, and well-wishers across the nation in celebrating a life well lived.”
Born in 1926, Alhaji Erogbogbo began his working life at the Government Printing Press in Lagos before joining the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).
In 1954, he moved into the private sector, beginning what would become a storied career with Shell Company of Nigeria Limited.
It was in Shell’s aviation division that his diligence and leadership were most prominently felt.
Rising steadily through the ranks, Alhaji Erogbogbo held key positions across Northern Nigeria, serving as District Manager in Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina.
He later returned to Lagos, where he culminated his career as Aviation Superintendent at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Among them is Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), who the President noted has upheld the values of public service, intellect, and purposeful leadership instilled by her father.
Also, President Tinubu has hailed Ogun State governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on his 65th birthday and the sixth anniversary of his administration.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by Onanuga, President Tinubu congratulated Governor Abiodun for what he called his “model of progress” in governance over the past six years.
“Your unwavering commitment to public service and the advancement of our great nation remains a pillar of strength in our collective pursuit of national renewal and prosperity,” President Tinubu said, lauding Abiodun’s transparent and inclusive style of leadership.
Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Abiodun has overseen a wave of developmental projects in Ogun, positioning the state as one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations.
In his birthday message to Amaechi, President Tinubu reflected on his achievements as a former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and two-term governor of Rivers State, as well as his eight years as Transportation Minister in the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
He particularly acknowledged Amaechi’s leadership role when he was the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), a position from which he coordinated intergovernmental relations and policy harmonisation across the 36 states.
During his tenure, Amaechi spearheaded major infrastructural projects, including the revival of Nigeria’s rail transport system and modernisation of key transport corridors.
President Tinubu prayed for long life, good health, and continued success for the former minister, expressing confidence in Amaechi’s enduring relevance in the nation’s political landscape.
