President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted a five-member delegation to represent Nigeria at the final burial rites of American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who passed away on February 17 in Chicago, Illinois, United States, at the age of 84. According to a statement issued in Abuja by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, will lead the Nigerian delegation to the burial events in honour of the late activist.
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, Sola Enikanolaye. The delegation is expected to attend the burial ceremonies and convey Nigeria’s condolences to Jackson’s family, associates, and the American people. Jackson, a prominent preacher and civil rights advocate, played a major role in the struggle for racial equality in the United States.
Over several decades, he emerged as one of the most influential voices for social justice and political inclusion. He also made history as a candidate in the United States presidential election and United States presidential election, becoming one of the first African Americans to mount a serious bid for the U.S. presidency. The Nigerian government said Tinubu’s decision to send a high-level delegation reflects the country’s recognition of Jackson’s global impact, particularly his advocacy for equality, civil rights, and stronger ties between Africa and the African diaspora.
The burial events are expected to attract dignitaries, civil rights leaders, and political figures from across the world who will gather to honour Jackson’s legacy and contributions to justice and democracy.
