President Bola Tinubu has celebrated retired Major General Adeniyi Tajudeen Olanrewaju on his 80th birthday, describing him as a distinguished patriot and elder statesman. The birthday message was personally signed by Tinubu and released on Friday through his special adviser on media and publicity. The President praised Olanrewaju's early role as one of the first Lagos indigenes trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy after Lagos State was created. He highlighted the retired general's rise through military ranks, noting his service during the Nigerian Civil War and advanced training in the United Kingdom, United States, and India.
Olanrewaju held key positions including Commander of the Corps of Artillery and General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division. He also served as a member of the Provisional Ruling Council and later as Minister of Communications. Tinubu credited him with contributing to the early deregulation and modernisation of Nigeria's telecommunications sector. The President recalled that Olanrewaju faced difficult moments during his national service but remained committed to humanity and the downtrodden. His eventual pardon and restoration were cited as symbols of justice, reconciliation, and national healing.
Tinubu extended greetings on behalf of the Federal Government and the Nigerian people. He prayed that Almighty Allah grants Olanrewaju continued good health, peace, strength, and more years of fulfilment with family and loved ones.
Tinubu celebrates a general whose pardon he never publicly opposed, yet omits any mention of the authority that granted it. Olanrewaju's restoration is held up as a moral victory while the process behind it remains unacknowledged. The President elevates perseverance in hardship but does not name who imposed the hardship. This silence shapes the narrative as much as the praise.
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