Tinubu Leads Tributes as Prof. Jerry Gana Marks 80th Birthday

​President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to esteemed academic and politician, Professor Jerry Gana, as he celebrates his 80th birthday. The commendation, contained in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, praised the former Minister of Information and Culture for his decades-long public service and powerful eloquence that have significantly shaped Nigeria’s political discourse.

​🎙️ Acknowledging a Prolific Communicator

​President Tinubu described Professor Gana, who also holds the title of former mass-mobilisation czar, as a “fine gentleman, a prolific communicator, a mass mobiliser, and a passionate patriot blessed with the gift of oratory.” The President particularly recalled the octogenarian’s efforts in mass mobilisation and sensitisation for unity, peace, and national development, commending his enduring contributions to advancing Nigeria’s values and ideals.

​Professor Gana’s milestone birthday was also marked by a public book launch in Abuja, a fitting tribute to a scholar whose life’s work continues to inspire. The event, which included the unveiling of the book ‘Jerry Gana, Stewardship and Integrity,’ saw other prominent Nigerian leaders—including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo—join the celebration, underscoring Gana’s widespread influence across the political landscape.

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​🏛️ A Distinguished Career in Public Service

​Born on November 30, 1945, Professor Gana’s career is marked by a rare transition from academia to high-level governance. He rose to become a Professor of Geography at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before diving into politics.

​His extensive public service record includes:

• ​Briefly serving as an elected Senator in 1983.

• ​Directing the impactful Mass Mobilisation for Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) under the Ibrahim Babangida administration.

• ​Holding various ministerial positions across different administrations, including:
• Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Interim National Government).
  • ​Minister of Information and Culture/National Orientation (under different administrations).​Minister of Co-operation and Integration in Africa.
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  • ​Serving as a founding national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998.
  ​The President concluded his message by wishing Professor Gana a happy 80th birthday and praying for his continued strength and sound health in the years ahead.