Tinubu Sends Delegation to Represent Nigeria at Jesse Jackson’s Burial

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed a five-member delegation to represent Nigeria at the burial of Jesse Jackson, the renowned American civil rights icon who passed away at the age of 84.

Jackson died on February 17, 2026, in Chicago after decades of activism, political engagement, and global advocacy for racial equality and justice.

The Nigerian delegation is led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Other members include Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Special Presidential Envoy for Global and Pan-African Affairs, Brian Browne; and Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Sola Enikanolaye.

According to a State House statement, the delegation will formally deliver President Tinubu’s message of condolences to the Jackson family and honor the late civil rights leader on behalf of Nigeria.

In an earlier tribute, President Tinubu described Jackson as a steadfast friend of Nigeria and Africa, noting his vocal opposition to apartheid in South Africa and his advocacy for the release of Nelson Mandela and other African National Congress leaders. The President also highlighted Jackson’s role in mobilizing global support for sanctions against the apartheid regime.

The burial programme commenced on February 26 with a lying-in-state at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago. Additional memorial services are scheduled across South Carolina and Washington, D.C., between March 1 and 5.

A “People’s Celebration” is slated for March 6 at the House of Hope in Chicago, followed by a private homegoing service on March 7 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Jackson is widely remembered as a towering figure in the global struggle for civil rights, equality, and social justice.