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*President Tinubu’s pens pay tribute to veteran journalist and administrator TUNJI BELLO, 65
I rejoice with Tunji Bello, as my trusted friend, brother and longtime ally in the progressive movement reaches 65 on July 1.
Tunji and I have been engaged in progressive struggle for more than three decades.
In Nigeria’s struggle for democracy through the 1990s, the era of military dictatorship, to the present day of civilian rule, only few people truly compare to Tunji in terms of unswerving loyalty to progressive ideals – both as a fearless journalist with a moral conscience who stands up to brutal military juntas, and as a stellar public servant committed to diligence and excellence.
As his excellent track record clearly illustrates, first as an editor of renowned national newspapers, then as a member of the Lagos State Cabinet and, most recently, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Tunji is a shining example of what is possible when competence meets creativity and character.
In 2003, when we were faced with the seemingly intractable challenge of waste management in Lagos State, I, as governor, pulled him out of his editorial turf to join the Lagos cabinet to help push forward the reforms we had outlined.
True to his reputation, Tunji performed a miracle in record time, so much so that successive governors deemed him indispensable and retained him as commissioner for the environment to consolidate progress in waste management in Africa’s most populous city or as secretary to the state government (SSG) to help enrich the broader governance picture with big ideas.
Tunji brings a unique versatility to the table rooted in diverse expertise spanning political science, law, administration and strategic communications.
Without a doubt, Tunji is one of the most experienced and proven public servants of his generation in Lagos State.
Tunji has always proved invaluable. When I assumed the office of President and considered how to recalibrate consumer advocacy in line with our Renewed Hope Agenda, I could not think of a more appropriate and trustworthy person than Tunji.
Once again, true to its reputation, it did not disappoint. Many Nigerians will attest that he has made a major impact at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in the two years since he took the helm of this strategic public institution, charged with ensuring fair play in the marketplace and protecting Nigerian consumers.
I can never thank Tunji enough for everything he has done for our country and for the progressive front. And so, as he turns 65, I pray that Almighty Allah grants him many more years of good health and renewed strength to continue serving our people and our country.
*Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
