President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed a five member team to represent him and Nigeria at the funeral ceremonies of American civil rights figure Rev Jesse Jackson. Jackson, a well known activist and former presidential candidate in the United States, died on February 17, 2026 in Chicago at the age of 84.
The Nigerian delegation will be headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Other members include the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, the Special Presidential Envoy for Global and Pan African Affairs, Brian Browne, and the Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye.
According to the presidency, the representatives will convey President Tinubu’s condolences to the family of the late civil rights leader and participate in activities marking his final rites.
President Tinubu had earlier paid tribute to Reverend Jackson, describing him as a respected supporter of justice and equality. The Nigerian leader noted that Jackson maintained strong ties with Africa and remained supportive of struggles for freedom across the continent.
Tinubu also recalled Jackson’s contribution during the global campaign against apartheid in South Africa. He noted that the American activist spoke firmly against racial segregation and supported international sanctions against the apartheid government.
The president also mentioned Jackson’s involvement in calls for the release of Nelson Mandela and other leaders of the African National Congress who were imprisoned during the apartheid era.
Events marking the burial of Reverend Jackson began on February 26 with a lying in state at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago. Memorial activities are also scheduled to take place in South Carolina and Washington DC, along with another lying in state at the South Carolina Statehouse between March 1 and March 5.
A public memorial event known as a People’s Celebration is scheduled for March 6 at the House of Hope in Chicago. The funeral activities will conclude with a private homegoing ceremony on March 7 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Reverend Jesse Jackson spent decades involved in civil rights advocacy, political campaigns, and social justice work in the United States and internationally.
