Nigerian Delegation Attends Jesse Jackson's Burial in Chicago

On February 17, 2026, Georg Akume, the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, led a five-man delegation from Nigeria to the final burial rites of Reverend Jesse Jackson, an American civil rights leader who passed away at the age of 84. The delegation was sent by President Bola Tinubu and included notable members such as Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy; Hannatu Musawa, Special Presidential Envoy for Global Pan-African Affairs; Brian Brown, Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and International Relations; and Ambassador Sola Enikanolay.

The delegation's purpose was to deliver President Tinubu's message of condolence to Jackson's family. The burial program for the civil rights leader commenced on February 26 and included services in Chicago, South Carolina, and Washington D.C., with public celebrations scheduled from March 1 to March 6, culminating in a private homegoing on March 7.

President Tinubu described Reverend Jackson as a "great friend" to Nigeria and Africa, highlighting his moral voice and significant role in the anti-apartheid movement.