Former head of state Yakubu Gowon has congratulated Boss Mustapha, an ex-secretary to the government of the federation, on his 70th birthday.

Mr Mustapha turned 70 on Friday.

In a congratulatory message to the former SGF on Thursday, Mr Gowon said reaching 70 was a remarkable milestone.

The former military leader described Mr Mustapha’s life as a testament to excellence in public service and dedication to national development.

He said, “Your tenure as secretary to the government of the federation demonstrated your loyalty, integrity and commitment as an extraordinary public servant and a bridge builder. I particularly remember your unwavering resilience and devotion to duty when you were appointed as the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

“You worked tirelessly with your team and succeeded in curtailing the spread of the virus, saving the lives of millions of Nigerians. We thank you for your service to the nation. I pray that God will grant you continued health and peace of mind in the years ahead.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also extended warm congratulations to the former SGF on his 70th birthday.

In a letter responding to Mr Mustapha’s invitation for the birthday celebration in Yola, Mr Obasanjo described the milestone as “a platinum jubilee” marked by grace and dedicated service to Nigeria.

Mr Obasanjo commended the ex-SGF’s profound contributions to the country and said he intended to attend the celebration in Yola.

Highlighting his plans to join the thanksgiving event in Yola, Mr Obasanjo said he has marked his calendar and looks forward to sharing in the joy of the milestone, barring any last-minute domestic or international commitments.

Also, former President Goodluck Jonathan applauded Mr Mustapha for his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s development, as evidenced during his tenure as the SGF.

He said, “As you mark this remarkable anniversary, I pray that Almighty God grants you continued good health, peace, strength and many more years of fulfilment in the company of your family and loved ones. I wish you a happy birthday and an eventful celebration. This milestone is a testament to a life of service, leadership, and enduring contributions to national development.”

Mr Mustapha, who served as SGF from 2017 to 2023, would be joined by family, friends, and political associates in his home state of Adamawa to mark the landmark anniversary.

The former SGF is also expected to celebrate his birthday with the inauguration of a library he donated to a university in Yola and a state banquet hosted by the Adamawa government.

Mr Mustapha was born in 1956 in Garaha, a village in the Hong council area of Adamawa; he attended primary school in Hong, Adamawa, and then North East College of Arts and Sciences in Maiduguri, Borno, for his high school education.

He attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) in 1979, and then attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, for the mandatory one-year law class, graduating in 1980.

He was called to the Nigerian Bar that same year and completed his one-year mandatory national service between 1980 and 1981.

He served on several company boards in the manufacturing, financial services, and oil and gas sectors and was described as a “boardroom guru”.

(NAN)