President Bola Tinubu has constituted a five-member delegation to represent Nigeria at the burial of renowned American civil rights leader and former presidential candidate, Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed away on February 17, 2026, in Chicago at the age of 84.
In a statement on Wednesday, the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the delegation would be led 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; 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 is tasked with delivering President Tinubu’s message of condolences to the Jackson family on behalf of the Nigerian government and people.
The burial proceedings began on February 26 with a lying-in-state ceremony at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago.
Additional memorial services are planned in South Carolina and Washington, D.C., including another lying-in-state at the South Carolina Statehouse from March 1 to March 5.
A public memorial called the “People’s Celebration” will be held on March 6 at the House of Hope in Chicago, followed by a private homegoing ceremony on March 7 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
In paying tribute, President Tinubu described Jackson as a steadfast friend of Nigeria and Africa, whose moral influence extended far beyond the United States.
He highlighted Jackson’s pivotal role in international campaigns against apartheid in South Africa, including his advocacy for the release of Nelson Mandela and other African National Congress leaders, as well as his efforts to mobilise global support for sanctions against the apartheid regime.
“Jackson’s legacy of courage, justice, and advocacy for human dignity will continue to inspire generations worldwide,” President Tinubu said.
