Tinubu Celebrates Ally Tunji Bello at 65, Praises Journalist's 'Invaluable' Service

President Bola Tinubu has paid a heartfelt tribute to Tunji Bello, a veteran journalist, long-standing ally, and friend, as he celebrated his 65th birthday on July 1. Tinubu lauded Bello as an "invaluable and dependable friend" and one of the most accomplished public servants of his generation in Lagos State.

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I rejoice with Tunji Bello, as my dependable friend, brother and long-standing ally in the progressive movement, attains 65 on July 1.

In an extensive tribute, Tinubu reflected on their shared journey in the progressive movement for over three decades. He emphasized Bello's "unflinching fidelity to progressive ideals" during Nigeria's struggle for democracy through the 1990s military dictatorship and into the current era of civil rule.

Tinubu highlighted Bello's career trajectory, from his early days as a "fearless journalist with a moral conscience" to his stellar service as a public servant. He noted Bello's roles as an editor of national dailies, a Lagos State cabinet member, and most recently, the CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

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Tunji and I were engaged in the progressive struggle for more than three decades.

The president recalled appointing Bello to his cabinet in 2003 to address waste management challenges in Lagos State. Bello, he said, "performed a miracle in a record time," leading to his retention by successive governors. Bello also served as Secretary to the State Government, enriching governance with his ideas.

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In Nigeria’s struggle for democracy through the 90s, the era of military dictatorship, to the present time of civil rule, only a few people truly compare to Tunji in terms of his unflinching fidelity to progressive ideals, whether as a fearless journalist with a moral conscience standing up to brutal military juntas, or as a stellar public servant committed to diligence and excellence.

Tinubu further praised Bello's versatility, citing his competencies in political science, law, administration, and strategic communication. He noted Bello's impact at the FCCPC, stating that he had not disappointed in recalibrating consumer advocacy in line with the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.

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As his sterling record clearly illustrates, first as editor of reputable national dailies, later as a Lagos State cabinet member, and most recently as the CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Tunji is a shining example of what is possible when competence meets creativity and character.