Top government officials and other distinguished Nigerians have described President Bola Tinubu who clocks 72 years this Friday as the type of leader capable of getting Nigeria out of her current socio-economic challenges.
Those who sent their birthday wishes, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, commended President Tinubu for deciding not to celebrate his birthday in honour of the military officers and soldiers as well as Police personnel killed in Delta State coupled with the spate of security breaches by criminal elements in different parts of Nigeria.
Born in Lagos on March 29, 1952 into the merchant family of Abibatu Mogaji, the Ìyál’ọ́jà of Lagos,
Bola Tinubu is the 16th and current President of Nigeria. He was also the Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 and a senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District in the aborted Third Republic.
Some days before the due date of his birthday anniversary, President Tinubu directed that there should be no celebration of any kind, including placing newspaper, radio or television advertorials in his honour. He instead asked friends and associates who may wish to place such goodwill advertorials to kindly donate the money to charity organisations of their choice in his name.
The President’s decision was also taken in deference to the current socio-economic challenges facing the country. For instance, the International Monetary Fund, IMF, says that Nigeria’s stalled per-capita growth, poverty and high food insecurity have exacerbated the ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the country.
President Tinubu also said that he is shelving his birthday anniversary celebration in honour of the military officers and soldiers as well as Police personnel killed in Delta State coupled with the spate of security breaches by criminal elements in different parts of Nigeria.
His directive however has not stopped top government officials serving or retired from sending felicitations.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari; Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Bassey Otu of Cross River, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State,
and other dignitaries have hailed President Tinubu on his 72nd birthday.
As Christians observe Good Friday which is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, President Tinubu says he will use the occasion of his birthday to reflect and re-dedicate himself to the task of building a more stable, more secure, virile, prosperous and united Nigeria.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
