President Bola Tinubu has congratulated elder statesman and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Samuel Oluyemisi Falae, on his 88th birthday.
Falae, who also served as Minister of Finance during the administration of former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida, turned 88 on Monday, September 21, 2026.
In a message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised Falae’s contribution to public service and Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
The President highlighted
years as SGF and Finance Minister, as well as his wider contributions to public administration and economic policy.
Tinubu also recalled Falae’s involvement in the movement for the restoration of democratic rule following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
“Chief Falae is a patriot whose life reflects a deep commitment to the service of our nation,” Tinubu said.
The President said Falae and other pro-democracy activists defended constitutional rule and citizens’ rights during a difficult period in Nigeria’s political history.
He added that their contributions to the struggle for democratic governance remained an important part of the country’s political journey.
“His contributions to public administration, economic development and the struggle for democracy are significant chapters in our national journey,” Tinubu said.
The President prayed for Falae to enjoy good health, wisdom and renewed strength to continue contributing to Nigeria’s development.
Born in Akure, Ondo State, on September 21, 1938, Falae began his career in the civil service before moving into banking and later returning to government.
He was appointed Secretary to the Government under Babangida in 1986 and served in the position until 1990, before becoming Minister of Finance.
Falae subsequently became involved in the pro-democracy movement during the military era. He was a prominent figure in the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, which campaigned for the restoration of democratic rule after the annulment of the June 12 presidential election.
His activism also led to his detention by the military administration of General Sani Abacha in 1997.
After the return to civilian rule, Falae continued his political career and emerged as the presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democracy in the 1999 election.
Over the years, he has remained active in national discussions on governance, economic development and Nigeria’s political structure.
As he marks his 88th birthday, Tinubu described Falae’s generation as having played an important role in Nigeria’s political emancipation and urged continued efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and build a more prosperous country.
