RismadarVoice Reporters
February 18, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined world leaders and the people of the United States in mourning the death of renowned civil rights leader and Baptist preacher, Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84.
In a State House statement issued on Tuesday, President Tinubu described Reverend Jackson as a “servant-leader” who captured global attention as a young activist working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the fight for racial equality and justice.
The President said Jackson devoted his life to advancing the dignity of Black people, the oppressed, and the voiceless in the United States and across the world.
“Reverend Jackson became both a national and global symbol of resistance and hope,” Tinubu stated, noting his advocacy for improved social and economic conditions for African Americans.
Reflecting on his time as a student in the United States in the 1970s, President Tinubu recalled living in Chicago, the same city where Jackson led major campaigns against injustice and discrimination. He said he witnessed firsthand the civil rights leader’s influence in shaping American society toward “the great promise of the American Dream.”
Tinubu credited Jackson’s historic presidential bids in 1984 and 1988 as laying the groundwork for the eventual emergence of Barack Obama as the first Black President of the United States in 2008.
“When Barack Obama shattered the glass ceiling, Reverend Jackson had already struck decisive blows against it,” the President said.
The Nigerian leader also highlighted Jackson’s strong ties to Africa, describing him as a steadfast supporter of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. He noted Jackson’s role in campaigning for the release of Nelson Mandela and other African National Congress leaders, as well as mobilizing international support for sanctions against the apartheid regime.
President Tinubu further recalled Jackson’s engagement with Nigeria during the military era, stating that the American civil rights leader stood in defence of human rights and democratic restoration. Jackson served as Special Envoy appointed by former U.S. President Bill Clinton to Nigeria and Africa in 1997 and 1999.
“Across Nigeria and the African continent, Reverend Jackson promoted civil liberties and advanced the cause of democracy and good governance,” Tinubu said.
The President concluded by describing Jackson as a powerful voice for universal justice and human progress, urging people to continue upholding the ideals he championed.
“May the great and noble soul of Reverend Jesse Jackson rest in eternal peace,” Tinubu said.
