President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kaduna State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a statesman whose public service was defined by integrity and exemplary leadership.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, described Makarfi as a “quintessential public servant and statesman” and a “perfect gentleman” whose contributions to governance and national development had earned him respect across political divides.
Makarfi, who clocked 70 on Saturday, August 8, served as Kaduna State Commissioner for Finance before becoming governor of the state. He later represented Kaduna North Senatorial District in the National Assembly and served as national chairman of the PDP.
The President said Makarfi demonstrated commitment to democratic ideals, prudent management of public resources and policies aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians throughout his public service career.
Tinubu also commended the former governor for his civility in politics, calm disposition and commitment to dialogue and national cohesion, describing the qualities as virtues worthy of emulation by younger generations of leaders.
He said, “As you mark this significant milestone, I join your well-wishers in thanking Almighty Allah for your life of service and accomplishment.
“Your contributions to Kaduna State and our nation remain an enduring testament to purposeful leadership.”
Tinubu prayed that Allah would grant Makarfi many more years in good health, strength, wisdom and peace as he continued to contribute his experience to the service of Nigeria and humanity.
Makarfi served as Kaduna State governor from 1999 to 2007 and later became a senator representing Kaduna North. He also chaired the PDP Caretaker Committee during a period of crisis in the opposition party.
This can be turned into a straightforward birthday congratulatory news story, with the governor’s remarks as the news peg and without reproducing the entire ceremonial language.
Sani praises his leadership
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, on Saturday, also congratulated former governor of the state and former senator, Ahmed Makarfi, on his 70th birthday, describing his contributions to Kaduna and Nigeria as significant.
Sani, in a statement issued on Saturday, said Makarfi had devoted a substantial part of his life to the service of Kaduna State and the country.
The governor said Makarfi’s tenure as Kaduna governor remained an important chapter in the state’s history, particularly because of his approach to leadership during a challenging period.
He said Makarfi demonstrated that leadership went beyond exercising authority and involved listening, building bridges, accommodating differences and finding common ground.
Sani also praised the former governor’s commitment to dialogue, inclusion, respect for diversity and accessible governance, saying these contributed to strengthening community relations in the state.
He said the respect Makarfi continued to command across ethnic, religious and political divides reflected the impact of his years in public service.
The governor said Kaduna’s ongoing pursuit of peace, security, inclusion and prosperity was part of a continuum built on the contributions of previous leaders.
He described Makarfi’s life of public service as an inspiration to younger generations and said his career demonstrated how public office could leave a lasting legacy when anchored in humility, courage and commitment to the common good.
Sani prayed for sound health, renewed strength, wisdom and many more years of fulfilment for Makarfi in the service of humanity, Kaduna State and Nigeria.
Makarfi, who served as Kaduna State governor from 1999 to 2007, later represented Kaduna North Senatorial District in the National Assembly and served as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Caretaker Committee.
