President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Tunji Bello, on the occasion of his 65th birthday, describing him as a loyal ally, distinguished public servant and committed progressive.
In a personally signed statement released on Tuesday ahead of Bello’s birthday on July 1, the President reflected on their more than three decades of political partnership and shared commitment to advancing progressive governance in Nigeria.
Tinubu commended Bello’s contributions to the pro-democracy movement during the military era, describing him as a courageous journalist who consistently opposed authoritarian rule before transitioning into public service.
The President said Bello’s professional journey from journalism to government remains a testament to the power of competence, integrity and innovation.
“As his sterling record clearly illustrates, first as editor of reputable national dailies, later as a Lagos State cabinet member, and most recently as the CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Tunji is a shining example of what is possible when competence meets creativity and character,” Tinubu stated.
The President recalled that he appointed Bello into the Lagos State Executive Council in 2003 while serving as governor to address the persistent waste management challenges confronting the state.
“In 2003, when we were confronted 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 drive the reforms we had outlined,” he said.
Tinubu credited Bello with transforming the waste management sector within a short period, noting that his performance earned him continued appointments under successive Lagos State administrations.
“True to his reputation, Tunji performed a miracle in a record time, so much so that successive governors found him indispensable and retained him either as Environment Commissioner to consolidate the gains in waste management in Africa’s most populous city or as the Secretary to the State Government to help enrich the broader governance framework with great ideas,” the President added.
He further described Bello as a versatile administrator whose background in journalism, political science, law and governance has made him one of the most accomplished public officials produced by Lagos State.
Tinubu also applauded Bello’s leadership of the FCCPC, stating that his appointment aligns with the objectives of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“When I assumed office as President and considered how to recalibrate consumer advocacy in line with our Renewed Hope Agenda, I could not think of a more appropriate and reliable person than Tunji,” he said.
The President added that Bello has already delivered significant results within two years at the consumer protection agency.
“Many Nigerians will attest that he has made a great impact at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission within two years of assuming leadership of this strategic public institution,” Tinubu noted.
Expressing appreciation for Bello’s contributions to governance and the progressive movement, the President prayed for continued good health, strength and many more years of service to the nation.
“I cannot thank Tunji enough for all he has done for our country and the progressive front,” Tinubu said.
“As he turns 65, I pray that the Almighty Allah grant him many more years in good health with renewed strength to continue to serve our people and country.”
