At 74, nation’s mood forced me to observe low-key birthday — Tinubu
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By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, ABUJA
President Bola Tinubu at 74, said yesterday he decided to mark his birthday low-key because of the mood of the nation.
In his birthday message to Nigerians, the President stated that the occasion reminded him of the challenges Nigerians had faced since he initiated reforms.
Tinubu noted that he was glad that the citizens’ sacrifices had not been in vain, saying there was a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, despite the temporary setback caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.
He also said his administration was determined to confront some of the challenges Nigerians were currently facing, stressing that with continued support, the nation shall overcome.
The message read: “My dear fellow Nigerians, today, as I clock another year on the journey of life, I’m filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve this great nation.
“I want to take this moment to thank Nigerians for their messages, show of love and prayers on the occasion of my 74th birthday. I thank all our citizens for their patriotism, solidarity and support for our administration.
“To those who have taken space in newspapers or paid for air time on radio and television to wish me well, I thank you immensely.
“I must thank my wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, for her kind and loving words. I also thank Vice President Kashim Shettima for all he said about me.
“Consistent with my tradition of marking my birthday in line with the mood of the nation, I resolved to observe this year’s birthday in a low-key manner.
“As I mark this special day, I am reminded of the challenges we’ve faced since we initiated our reforms. I’m glad that our sacrifices have not been in vain, as we can see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, despite the temporary setback caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.
“The credit for the positive outcomes we have achieved does not belong solely to me, our Renewed Hope team, or our government. We achieved the gains together.
“As we march towards the third anniversary of our administration, it is my deepest conviction that we shall succeed in building a brighter future for our citizens and future generations.”
In his birthday message, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, said the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda had continued to reposition the nation on the path of sustainable prosperity.
Shettima said the past year had witnessed remarkable economic milestones under Tinubu’s “purposeful leadership”, adding that the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, growth had accelerated beyond projections, while inflation trends showed sustained decline, with foreign direct investment surging to levels unseen in years.
Shettima’s message read: “As you turn 74 today, I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating a leader whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to reposition our nation on the path of sustainable prosperity.
‘’Our nation’s GDP growth has accelerated beyond projections, inflation trends show sustained decline, and foreign direct investment has surged to levels unseen in years.
“Your resolute focus on infrastructure development is creating the arteries of commerce that will power Nigeria’s prosperity for generations to come.
“As you mark this special day, my prayer is that Almighty Allah grant you robust health, renewed vigour, and continued wisdom to complete the vital work of national transformation you have begun.”
On her part, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her short and romantic message said she was proud of her husband.
The First Lady wrote: “To God be all the glory for the gift of life and yet another birthday. I celebrate you and I pray God gives you divine health, strength, joy and peace as you take Nigeria to her Eldorado of great wealth and opportunities. Akanbi, omo olodo ide. I love you and I am so proud of you.”
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