Chief Olabode George, a retired Naval Commodore who was a former military governor of Ondo State celebrated his 80th birthday on the 21st of November, 2025 in Lagos with pomp pageantry.
The event which came with a book launch at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island began with a church service at The Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina-Lagos, where family members, friends, colleagues and associates gathered in their numbers to felicitate with him, was attended by the who is who in the society.
The birthday celebration took a bigger dimension at the Naval Dockyard when various leaders, captains of industries came to the stage, to celebrate the special occasion with him.
One of those that felicitated with him was The President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented at the event by the Secretary General of The Federation (SGF)- George Akume.
He lauded the elder statesman for his immense contributions to the growth of the country.
He said: “At 80 Chief George has lived a full year dedicated to serving our country with distinction. As a leader of note and a proud ‘Lagos Boy’, he has demonstrated devotion and undisguised love for Nigeria and his state of birth. Today’s event is a celebration of a distinguished Nigerian, a statesman and an outstanding politician”.
The Former President of Nigeria. Goodluck Jonathan ably represented by Col. Paul Edor (Rtd.) also praised his sterling qualities as a leader.
He said: “This milestone is the testament to a life of service, courage and unwavering commitment to our nation”.
Similarly, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State described the celebrator as a general who cannot be pushed aside in character, courage and discipline.
Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State while praising Chief George on his birthday, described him as a detribalized Nigerian.
The Ooni of Ife – Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Adeyeye-Ojaja II, while praying for him, commended Chief George for supporting the Oduduwa Throne, especially as a proud bearer of Atona Oodua of Yoruba land.
The Chairman of Premier Lotto-Chief (Sir) Kessington Adebutu GCOFR ably represented by his son Chief Oladipupo Adebutu, while congratulating him launched his books with twenty million naira (N20 million) donation.
Other dignitaries who extolled his achievements were the chairman of the occasion-Major General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd.) ably represented by Chief Dele Ogedengbe, The book reviewer -Professor Femi
Otubanjo of The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Senator Gbenga Daniel and Fmr. Labour Party Governorship candidate in Lagos-Mr Gbadebo Vivour Rhodes.
Roll call of dignitaries at the event included: Niger State Governor-Alhaji Babangida Aliyu, Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, Retired Justice of The Supreme Court -Justice Bode Vivour Rhodes, Fmr. Senate President-Senator Adolphus Wabara, Rtd. Admiral Toye Olofintuyi, Fmr. First Lady of Nigeria-Mrs Margret Shonekan, Chairman of The Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council-Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Admiral Murtala Nyako , The National Chairman of PDP- Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, National Secretary of PDP-Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Honourable Sonupe and Senator Lee Maeba.
Other important personalities were: Media Personality-Reuben Abati and his beautiful wife Kiki Abati, Madam Olugbade, Olori Ladun Sijuade, A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators who was also the Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State from 2007-2011, Olasupo Shasore and wife, Mrs Evelyn Rewane -Fabyan, The Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group/ newly appointed member of the Lagos State University Governing Council-Olabode Makanjuola, Barrister Adenike Sode, Awokoya Titi, Chief Mrs Josephine Anenie, Chief Mrs Aduke Maria, Former Governor of Plataeu State-Joshua Dariye and Princess Seyi among others.
Reviewing The Books-“Unfiltered , A Chronicle of Selected Speeches and Bode George From The Cradle To The Seas, To The Podium, Professor Femi Otubanjo said, that they are a compendium of a life shaped by discipline and resilience.
The birthday boy who was flanked by his beautiful wife Roli Bode George became emotional when he remembered all that life had thrown his way and how God saved him from them all. He said:
“My journey through public life has been long and painful. From my early days as a young naval officer to my years in political leadership, I have seen Nigeria at her brightest and most challenging moments. I have served in government and in opposition. I have celebrated victories and endured defeats. I have been praised and misunderstood. But through every twist and turn, I have held firmly to one conviction- Nigeria is worth serving, and Nigeria is worth believing in”, he said.
To the upcoming ones he said:
“Do not give up on Nigeria. Be bold, be curious, and be upright. This country needs your creativity, innovation and courage because the destiny of Nigeria will not be rated by foreign hands, it will be rated by you”, he added.
“What endures is the legacy of the character of kindness and of service to others. I thank all who have walked this road with me. My friends, classmates, my mentors, my political associates, even my critics”, Bode George said.
“I hold no bitterness, no malice, no regrets at any time. There is no room for anger, only room for prayer. My faith in God remains unshaken”, he enthused.
“He has lifted me from despair to renewal, from confusion to clarity. And for that, I say, God be in the glory. As we celebrate today, and as we launch these books that capture some of the lessons and experiences of my journey, I hope it will inspire reflection, dialogue, and above all, understanding. Understanding of what it means to serve and to live with conviction. My friends gathered here, I thank you. My dear wife and family, thank you all”, he added.
It would be recalled that Chief Olabode George was at a time, the deputy national chairman of The People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
