President Bola Tinubu has appointed a five-member delegation, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to represent him and Nigeria at the burial of renowned American civil rights leader, activist and former United States presidential candidate, Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Jackson died on February 17, 2026, in Chicago at the age of 84.

Other members of the delegation include the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the Special Presidential Envoy for Global and Pan-African Affairs, Brian Browne; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye.

The delegation is expected to deliver President Tinubu’s message of condolences to the Jackson family on behalf of the Nigerian government and people.

In an earlier tribute, President Tinubu described the late civil rights icon as a great friend of Nigeria and Africa, noting his enduring contributions to the global struggle for justice, equality and human rights.

The burial activities for Jackson began on February 26 with a lying-in-state at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago.

A “People’s Celebration” in honour of the civil rights leader is expected to take place on March 6 at the House of Hope in Chicago, followed by a private homegoing service on March 7 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.