By EricJames Ochigbo/Philip Yatai/Salisu Sani Idris
Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, former Senate President, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim and Sen. Ibikunle Amosun have eulogised former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha’s contributions to nation building as he clocks 70.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former SGF turns 70 on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.
In his message on behalf of the government and people of Ogun, Abiodun congratulated Mustapha on the joyous occasion of his 70th birthday anniversary.
He said that attaining the remarkable age of 70 in good health and sound mind, with a
distinguished record of service, is a manifestation of God’s benevolence.
“I join your family, friends and associates, as well as other well-wishers in thanking God for preserving you and granting you the opportunity to celebrate this significant milestone.
“It is gratifying to state that your life and career have been defined by exceptional
accomplishments, patriotism, intellectual depth, administrative excellence and an
unwavering commitment to public service and nation-building.
“As a lawyer, businessman, politician and consummate administrator, you have distinguished yourself through decades of dedicated service to our dear nation.”
The governor said Mustapha’s tenure as SGF was particularly remarkable, as he brought to bear his wealth of experience, wisdom, diligence and
statesmanship in coordinating the affairs of government.
He recalled that Mustapha facilitated inter-ministerial collaboration and ensured effective implementation of government policies and programmes.
He said beyond the offices Mustapha occupied, his enduring legacy lied in the
integrity, professionalism and patriotic commitment with which he discharged
every responsibility entrusted to him.
“As you celebrate this remarkable milestone, it is my prayer that Almighty God will continue to bless you with sound health, renewed strength, wisdom, and many more fruitful years, while granting you greater opportunities to continue contributing to the peace, progress and development of our country, Nigeria,” he said.
On his part, former Senate President, Ayim Pius Ayim, said that Mustapha’s years of service to the nation, particularly as SGF, demonstrated the depth of his administrative experience, capacity for leadership and understanding of the complexities of governance.
He said that Mustapha played a significant role in coordinating government activities, supporting the implementation of national policies, and contributing to the functioning of the Federal Government at a critical period in the nation’s history.
“I join family, friends, associates and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond to celebrate a remarkable statesman, distinguished public servant, accomplished administrator and a quintessential gentleman.
“Beyond the offices you have occupied, your greatest legacy lies in the values you have consistently demonstrated which is discipline, humility, fear of God, patriotism, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to public good.
“At 70, you have every reason to look back with gratitude and satisfaction at a life richly blessed with accomplishments and meaningful experiences.
“You have witnessed and participated in different chapters of Nigeria’s political and administrative development, and through those experiences, you have continued to demonstrate the importance of maturity, patience, institutional knowledge, and statesmanship in the affairs of our nation.
“Therefore, as you celebrate this remarkable birthday, may the Almighty God continue to bless you with good health, renewed strength, wisdom, peace, and many more fulfilling years.
“May He preserve you and grant you the grace to continue contributing your wealth of experience to the development and stability of Nigeria.”
Also, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, former Ogun Governor, said Mustapha’s life had been an eventful life, distinguished by remarkable accomplishments as a seasoned lawyer, an astute administrator, and a renowned politician.
Amosun said that over the years, he had demonstrated strength of character and competence in the service of the nation as SGF.
“Your contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape, having held pivotal leadership roles including Member of the Constituent Assembly (1988-1989), State Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (1990-1991) and Deputy National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, among others, remain a benchmark for exemplary public service.
“As you mark this platinum milestone, I join your family, friends, political associates, and well-wishers in honouring a life of service and enduring impact.
“I pray that Almighty God continues to grant you many more years, in good health, and fulfilment of your heart.”
NAN reports that the former SGF is expected to celebrate the 70th 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 ‘Wale Sadeeq/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu