By Philip Yatai/Salisu Sani-Idris
Former Head of State. Retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has rejoiced with the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mustapha turns 70 on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.
Gowon, in a congratulatory message to the former SGF, made available to NAN
on Thursday, said attaining the age of 70 was quite a remarkable milestone.
The former military leader described the life of Mustapha as a testimony 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 a warm congratulation to the former SGF on his 70th birthday.
In a personal letter responding to Mustapha’s invitation for the birthday celebration in Yola, Obasanjo described the milestone as “a platinum jubilee” marked by grace and dedicated service to Nigeria.
The elder statesman commended the ex-SGF’s profound contributions to the country and expressed his intention to attend the celebration in Yola.
Highlighting his plans to join the thanksgiving event in Yola, Obasanjo noted that he has marked his calendar, looking forward to sharing in the joy of the milestone, barring any last-minute domestic or international commitments.
“Let me seize this early opportunity to congratulate you most heartily on reaching this platinum jubilee with grace, good health and a profound record of dedicated service to our fatherland,” Obasanjo wrote.
The former president prayed for the former SGF’s future, saying “as you step into this new decade of your life, I pray that Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health, sound wisdom and renewed strength to keep contributing to our community and nation.”
Also, former President Goodluck Jonathan, applauded Mustapha for his enduring contributions to the development of Nigeria, 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 fulfillment 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.”
NAN reports that 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 to be hosted by the Adamawa government.
Mustapha was born in 1956 in Garaha, a village located in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa in the North East, attended primary school in Hong, Adamawa and proceeded to North East College of Arts and Sciences in Maiduguri, Borno for his high school education.
He attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria where he received Bachelor of Law (LL.B) in 1979 and proceeded to Nigeria Law School, Lagos, for mandatory one-year law class and graduated in 1980.
He was called to the Nigerian Bar in the same year and did his one-year mandatory national service between 1980 and 1981.
He served as a member of several boards of companies in the manufacturing, financial services and oil and gas sectors, described as a “boardroam guru”.(NAN)
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu