Tinubu celebrates Gen Olanrewaju at 80, presents him as “father of modern telecoms sector”
*General Olanrewaju a distinguished, brilliant officer, strategic thinker, and disciplined patriot – Nigerian President
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
In the birthday message personally signed by him, President Tinubu, while celebrating General Olanrewaju, whom he described as a distinguished patriot and elder statesman, emphasised that life of the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) has been one of uncommon service, courage, sacrifice, and enduring commitment to the Nigerian nation.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday May 8, 2026, joined family, friends and the Nigerian Army in paying glowing tribute to former Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd), as he marked 80th birthday anniversary in Lagos.
In the birthday message personally signed by him and sent to The DEFENDER on Friday, President Tinubu, while celebrating General Olanrewaju, whom he described as a distinguished patriot and elder statesman, emphasised that life of the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) has been one of uncommon service, courage, sacrifice, and enduring commitment to the Nigerian nation.
According to the President, “From his early years as one of the pioneering Lagos indigenes trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy following the creation of Lagos State, to his meritorious rise through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, General Olanrewaju distinguished himself as a brilliant officer, strategic thinker, and disciplined patriot.
“His service record remains a source of pride and inspiration. He served gallantly during the Nigerian Civil War, underwent advanced military training in the United Kingdom, the United States, and India, and went on to hold several strategic command and leadership positions, including Commander of the Corps of Artillery, General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division, and a member of the Provisional Ruling Council.”
Tinubu said, “His subsequent service as Minister of Communications contributed significantly to the early foundations of the deregulation and modernisation of Nigeria’s
telecommunications sector.
“Beyond his accomplishments in uniform and public office, General Olanrewaju’s life story is also one of resilience, faith, and perseverance. Despite difficult moments during his national service, he remained steadfast, dignified, and committed to humanity and to serving the downtrodden. His eventual pardon and restoration stand as a testament to the enduring value of justice, reconciliation, and national healing.
“As he celebrates this remarkable milestone, I salute his patriotism, his contributions to national development, and his steadfast dedication to Nigeria over several decades.
“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.”
Read the Full Text of the President’s statement:
STATEHOUSE STATEMENT
PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S MESSAGE ON THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF MAJOR GENERAL ADENIYI TAJUDEEN OLANREWAJU
Today, I join family, friends, associates, and the entire Nigerian military community in celebrating Major General Adeniyi Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd), a distinguished patriot, statesman, and elder statesman, as he marks his 80th birthday.
General Olanrewaju’s life has been one of uncommon service, courage, sacrifice, and enduring commitment to the Nigerian nation. From his early years as one of the pioneering Lagos indigenes trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy following the creation of Lagos State, to his meritorious rise through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, he distinguished himself as a brilliant officer, strategic thinker, and disciplined patriot.
His service record remains a source of pride and inspiration. He served gallantly during the Nigerian Civil War, underwent advanced military training in the United Kingdom, the United States, and India, and went on to hold several strategic command and leadership positions, including Commander of the Corps of Artillery, General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division, and a member of the Provisional Ruling Council.
His subsequent service as Minister of Communications contributed significantly to the early foundations of the deregulation and modernisation of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
Beyond his accomplishments in uniform and public office, General Olanrewaju’s life story is also one of resilience, faith, and perseverance. Despite difficult moments during his national service, he remained steadfast, dignified, and committed to humanity and to serving the downtrodden. His eventual pardon and restoration stand as a testament to the enduring value of justice, reconciliation, and national healing.
As he celebrates this remarkable milestone, I salute his patriotism, his contributions to national development, and his steadfast dedication to Nigeria over several decades.
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.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria
May 8, 2026
