Nigeria delegation attends Jesse Jackson burial

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria dispatched a five-member delegation, led by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to represent Nigeria at the final burial rites of the American civil rights leader, activist, and former presidential candidate, Jesse Jackson. Jesse Jackson passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84 in Chicago. The delegation, which also included Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Hannatu Musawa, Brian Browne, and Sola Enikanolaiye, was tasked with delivering Bola Tinubu's message of condolences to the Jackson family. The burial program included events in Chicago, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C., from February 26 to March 7, 2026. Bola Tinubu had previously paid tribute to Jesse Jackson, describing him as a great friend of Nigeria and Africa, and acknowledging his significant role in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and the campaign for Nelson Mandela's release.