Tinubu Salutes Nigeria’s Ex-First Lady Margaret Shonekan At 85
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent congratulations to Chief Margaret Shonekan, former First Lady of Nigeria, on her 85th birthday, October 28, 2026.
The President celebrated Chief Shonekan’s distinguished life of service, her enduring contributions to public administration, and her commitment to the advancement of education and national development.
Margaret O. Shonekan (born 28 October 1941) spent much of her career with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
She was appointed a Federal Civil Service Commissioner from 1st October 1986 until 31st March 1994.
She also briefly served as the First Lady of Nigeria from 26th August 1993 until 17th November 1993, during the transitional presidency of her husband, Ernest Shonekan, Chairman of the Interim National Government (ING) established by General Ibrahim Babangida and overthrown by General Sani Abacha in the heat of the June 12, 1993 political crisis.
According to the statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Tinubu acknowledged her remarkable career in the public service, particularly her years of dedicated service at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), where she rose through the ranks to become Head of the Nigerian National Office.
Tinubu’s message said: “Her professional accomplishments reflect a life defined by diligence, discipline, integrity, and an abiding sense of duty to the nation.
“As the wife of the Late Chief Ernest Shonekan, who led the Interim National Government in 1993, she maintained a dignified presence and earned respect for her contributions to the nation.
“As you mark this significant milestone, I commend your legacy of service and pray that Almighty God will grant you continued good health, peace, strength, and many more years of fulfilment in the company of your family and loved ones.
“I wish you a happy 85th birthday and thank you for your years of service and contribution to Nigeria’s development.”
Chief Ernest Shonekan died January 11, 2022.
