President Bola Tinubu on Friday congratulated retired Major General Adeniyi Tajudeen Olanrewaju on his 80th birthday, describing him as a distinguished patriot whose decades of military and public service contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development.
In a personally signed message to mark the milestone, President Tinubu praised the retired senior military officer for what he called “uncommon service, courage, sacrifice, and enduring commitment” to the nation.
The President recalled General Olanrewaju’s rise through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, noting that he distinguished himself as “a brilliant officer, strategic thinker, and disciplined patriot.”
Tinubu said the retired general’s career remained a source of pride and inspiration to the nation, citing his role during the Nigerian Civil War and his advanced military training in the United Kingdom, the United States and India.
According to the President, General Olanrewaju held several strategic command and leadership positions during his years in service, including Commander of the Corps of Artillery, General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division and member of the Provisional Ruling Council.
He also credited the retired military officer with contributing to the early foundations of the deregulation and modernisation of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector during his tenure as Minister of Communications.
“General Olanrewaju’s life has been one of uncommon service, courage, sacrifice, and enduring commitment to the Nigerian nation,” Tinubu stated.
The President further described the octogenarian’s life story as one marked by resilience, faith, and perseverance, despite the difficult moments encountered during his national service.
He noted that the retired general remained steadfast and committed to humanity and service to the downtrodden, adding that his eventual pardon and restoration underscored the values of justice, reconciliation and national healing.
“His eventual pardon and restoration stand as a testament to the enduring value of justice, reconciliation, and national healing,” the President said.
Tinubu saluted General Olanrewaju’s patriotism and dedication to national development over several decades, while praying for continued good health, peace and strength for the elder statesman.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I congratulate Major General Adeniyi Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd) on his 80th birthday and pray that Almighty Allah will grant him continued good health, peace, strength, and many more years of fulfilment with his family and loved ones,” he added.
