President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed a five-member delegation to represent Nigeria at the funeral of renowned American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who passed away at the age of 84.
Jackson, a globally respected activist and political figure, died on February 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of social justice advocacy and strong ties with Africa.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian government confirmed that the delegation will be led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Other members of the delegation include the 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, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye.
The delegation will deliver President Tinubu’s official message of condolence to the Jackson family and join other global leaders in honouring the late civil rights icon.
President Tinubu described Jackson as “a great friend of Nigeria and Africa,” highlighting his influence in global human rights struggles and his support for African liberation movements.
According to the President, Jackson played a key role in the international campaign against apartheid in South Africa and helped mobilise support for sanctions against the apartheid regime.
He was also instrumental in advocating for the release of Nelson Mandela and other members of the African National Congress who were imprisoned during that era.
Jackson’s funeral activities began on February 26, 2026, with a lying-in-state ceremony at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago.
Additional memorial events have been held in South Carolina and Washington, D.C., including a public viewing at the South Carolina Statehouse from March 1 to March 5.
A public “People’s Celebration” is scheduled for March 6 at the House of Hope in Chicago, followed by a private homegoing service on March 7 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Born in the segregated American South, Jackson rose to prominence as a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr. and later became a two-time contender for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 but remained an enduring symbol of the civil rights movement and global equality advocacy.
