President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mrs Oluremi Debbie Olowu, pioneer Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on her 80th birthday.

Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, celebrated Olowu’s contributions as a lawyer, public servant, community leader and nation-builder.

The president described Olowu’s life as one defined by courage, compassion and commitment to the service of humanity.

“At 80, your story stands as a testament to what a determined woman can accomplish when intellect is matched with vision, integrity and a deep concern for others,” Tinubu said.

He noted that Olowu’s tenure as NEMA Director-General from 1999 to 2002 remained one of the defining periods of her career.

According to him, she provided leadership at a critical period and helped transform NEMA from a largely relief-oriented department into a more structured emergency humanitarian institution.

Tinubu also commended Olowu for her generosity, advocacy, leadership and interventions during critical periods, saying her efforts had brought hope and assistance to individuals and families facing hardship.

“You made a difference,” the president said.

He prayed that Almighty God would continue to bless Olowu with peace, renewed strength, good health, fulfilment and abundant joy.

Onanuga issued the statement on Sept. 27.