President Bola Tinubu has called for patriotic leaders and citizens committed to national development and the public good, rather than personal interests and self-aggrandisement.

Tinubu made the call yesterday at St Monica Cathedral of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), Jimeta, Yola, during a thanksgiving service to mark the 70th birthday of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr Boss Mustapha.

Represented by the SGF, Senator George Akume, the President urged public officials and citizens to make dedication to public service a core value.

He said Nigeria needed men and women who would place national interests above personal ambitions and remain committed to serving the people.

“Today is first and foremost a day for thanksgiving. We gathered not only to celebrate a passage of seven decades, but to celebrate the faithfulness of God, who has preserved and sustained Boss Mustapha through the various seasons of life,” Tinubu said.

The President described Mustapha’s 70th birthday as an opportunity to celebrate his life and contributions to public service, urging Nigerians to emulate values that promote national development.

Also speaking, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the former SGF as a benchmark for integrity in public service.

Mutfwang called for greater unity among political leaders in the Middle Belt, stressing the need for collective efforts to advance the interests of the region and the country.

Similarly, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa George Farauta, commended Mustapha for his contributions to nation-building and steadfastness in public service.

The thanksgiving service, which was attended by political leaders, government officials, religious leaders, family members and other dignitaries, was held to celebrate Mustapha’s 70th birthday.