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APC, VP, govs, Alake, others hail president on birthday
From Romanus Ugwu, Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja, Noah Ebije, Kaduna and Lukman Olabiyi
As he marks his 74th birthday, President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous and resilient Nigeria.
In a special message to Nigerians, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation and for the goodwill shown to him.
“Today, as I clock another year in 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.”
He thanked Nigerians for their messages, prayers, and demonstrations of support, describing them as a source of encouragement for his administration.
“I thank all citizens for their patriotism, solidarity and support for our administration.”
He also appreciated individuals and groups who placed congratulatory messages in the media, acknowledging their goodwill and solidarity.
“To those who have taken space in newspapers or paid for airtime on radio and television to wish me well, I thank you immensely.”
The president said he chose to mark the occasion in a low-key manner in line with the current mood of the nation.
“Consistent with my tradition, I resolved to observe this year’s birthday in a low-key manner,” he said.
Reflecting on the administration’s reforms, Tinubu noted that in spite of the challenges, there were emerging signs of progress and recovery.
“I am reminded of the challenges we have faced since initiating reforms, but our sacrifices are beginning to yield results.”
He acknowledged the impact of global developments, particularly the Middle East crisis, on Nigeria’s economic trajectory.
“We can see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, despite temporary setbacks caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.”
He stressed that the gains recorded so far were a collective achievement involving government and citizens alike.
“The credit for the positive outcomes does not belong to me alone. We achieved these gains together.”
Tinubu expressed confidence that his administration would succeed in delivering long-term benefits to Nigerians as it approaches its third anniversary.
“As we march towards the third anniversary of our administration, I am convinced that we shall succeed in building a brighter future.”
He assured Nigerians of his resolve to confront existing challenges and steer the country toward sustainable growth and development.
“We are determined to confront the challenges we face today, and with your continued support, we shall overcome,” he said.
Tinubu called for unity and collective action in building a stronger nation that would serve as a model across the African continent.
Sultan leads prayers
As part of the commemoration, Islamic leaders offered special prayers for the President yesterday.
The Sultan of Sokoto, represented by the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, alongside other prominent traditional rulers and Islamic scholars, led the session, which President Tinubu joined shortly after 3p.m. He participated in the prayers and observed the Asr prayer with worshippers before departing.
The gathering, attended by governors, ministers, politicians, and faithful from across the country, sought “Allah’s guidance, wisdom, good health, and strength for the President as he steers the nation’s affairs.”
The Etsu Nupe described it as “a solemn spiritual exercise rather than a celebration, emphasising the need for continuous prayers for national peace, unity, and development.” He also “appealed for government support towards the maintenance and welfare needs of the National Mosque.”
The Emir of Keffi, Chindo Yamusa, commended Tinubu’s efforts, stating they were “already yielding benefits, particularly in Nasarawa State,” through interventions in salary payments and infrastructure.
Over 300 Islamic scholars from various sects recited the Holy Qur’an 111 times, followed by special supplications for the President’s well-being and the country’s stability. Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari concluded with a prayer “for lasting peace, prosperity, and stability in Nigeria.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin conveyed Tinubu’s appreciation, saying the President “remains committed to national unity and development, stressing the importance of continued prayers for the success of his administration.”
A parallel prayer session, organised by the Arewa Think Tank, took place in Kaduna, attended by former Kaduna Governor Alhaji Muktar Ramallan Yero, Senator Tijjani Kaura Tafida (representing Senator Abdulaziz Yari), Emir of Wase Alhaji Mohammed Haruna, representatives of Kaduna Governor Uba Sani, Kebbi Governor Nasiru Karan Gwandu, and Comrade Issa Aremu of MINILS.
Shettima lauds economic reforms
Vice President Kashim Shettima also joined in celebrating Tinubu.
In a State House press release titled: “A leader’s milestone: Celebrating vision, courage and achievement,” Shettima spotlighted key economic milestones under Tinubu’s “purposeful leadership” this past year.
“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,” the Vice President stated.
He praised Tinubu’s resolute focus on infrastructure development, which is “creating the arteries of commerce that will power Nigeria’s prosperity for generations to come.”
Shettima highlighted what distinguishes Tinubu’s leadership: “an uncommon fortitude: the willingness to make difficult choices today for a better tomorrow.” He noted that history will record Tinubu chose “the path of reform over the comfort of populism.”
Describing his experience as a “masterclass in decisive governance and principled leadership,” Shettima commended Tinubu’s ability to balance “empathy with firmness, vision with pragmatism.”
APC: He’s veteran democrat, bridge-builder
The National Working Committee (NWC), in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described Tinubu as a veteran democrat, statesman, bridge-builder, and patriot whose life has been an eloquent testimony of selfless service to the country and advancement of democratic ideals.
The party noted that under President Tinubu’s purposeful and visionary leadership, Nigeria is steadily claiming its place of pride among the great nations of the world.
APC also claimed that his administration has continued to implement high impact social investment programmes, strengthen national security, and prioritise youth empowerment as well as the welfare of students, workers and entire citizenry.
“Our great party joins millions of Nigerians and well-wishers across the world in honour of a veteran democrat, statesman, bridge-builder, and patriot whose life has been an eloquent testimony of selfless service to our dear nation and advancement of democratic ideals.
“Under President Tinubu’s purposeful and visionary leadership, Nigeria is steadily claiming its place of pride among the great nations of the world.
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“Under the banner of the Renewed Hope Agenda, his administration is relentless in delivering progress, recording epic strides in economic reforms, infrastructural development, institutional reforms, and historic tax and fiscal policy transformation.
“Mr. President, your administration has continued to implement high impact social investment programmes, strengthen national security, and prioritise youth empowerment as well as the welfare of students, workers and entire citizenry.
“Your commitment and resolute will to set our nation on a solid foundation has renewed our hope for a vibrant future for our dear country.
“We are indeed very proud of the nation’s resurgence under your able and visionary leadership. Under your watch, our great party has morphed into the largest political party in Nigeria in terms of reach, membership, structural dominance, and influence since our founding in 2013.
“We celebrate your resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to the unity, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria. Our great party stands firmly with Your Excellency as you continue to steer our nation on the path of greatness.
“It is our heartfelt prayer that God, in His mercies, will grant you many more years in excellent health, wisdom, and strength as you continue in service to our great nation and humanity. Congratulations,” the party said.
Sanwo-Olu shares 20,000 food packs
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday distributed 20,000 food packs and a personalised open letter to the state residents.
The governor said the food distribution was not merely a birthday offering but a symbolic reaffirmation of support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As you receive this gift box, know that its contents are more than a token of celebration.
”It represents the united voice of Lagos State saying resoundingly that we stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and believe in the Nigeria he is building,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said that Nigerians had endured the pains of reforms and were beginning to witness the rewards of their patience and resilience.
“We have endured the pains of the reforms together, and now we are beginning to reap the rewards of our endurance.
‘The worst is behind us, and the best is in sight,” he said.
He urged the residents to remain optimistic and committed to the ongoing national transformation.
“The transformation President Tinubu has begun must not be abandoned. The seeds planted with courage, boldness and foresight are only just beginning to bear fruits,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu also prayed for more years of good health, wisdom and strength for the President.
Symbol of enduring resilience – Alia
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue described President Tinubu as an uncommon leader, patriot and symbol of enduring resilience.
Alia, in the message that he personally signed, saluted the courage, vision, and unwavering commitment of President Tinubu to the greatness of Nigeria.
“In moments that test the soul of our country, your leadership continues to inspire hope, unity, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
“Mr President, as you mark this special day, we pray for renewed strength, divine wisdom, and greater grace to lead Nigeria to even higher heights.
“Happy Birthday, Mr President. God bless you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Alake, Oyebanji hail
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake said the President had demonstrated exemplary leadership, particularly during the struggle to uphold the annulled June 12, 1993 election.
“For almost four decades, I have watched closely how your leadership has defined the course of our nation’s destiny.
“From your pivotal role in the struggle for the actualisation of the annulled June 12, 1993 elections, to your transformative tenure as governor of Lagos state, to galvanising the first successful merger of opposition parties in our nation’s history.
“Now as President, you are spearheading a renaissance, silently leading reforms, quite unprecedented in our nation’s history.
“When the story of Nigeria’s democratic evolution is told, your name will stand etched as an indelible part of it, your footprints firmly engraved on the sands of time,” he said.
He prayed for God’s guidance and wisdom for the President as he carries out his duties to lead the country in the right direction.
Governor of Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji, praised the President for his dedication to the service of the nation and the defence of democracy.
He described the President as a pro-democracy activist and astute politician who played a key role in the struggle for the restoration of democratic rule in the country.
Oyebanji noted that Tinubu’s contributions to national development were evident in his records as a former senator in the Third Republic, two-term governor of Lagos State and now President of Nigeria.
He said the President’s leadership continues to inspire citizens through impactful policies and reforms towards sustainable development.
The governor expressed appreciation on behalf of the government and people of Ekiti for Tinubu’s support and the positive impact of his administration’s policies on the state.
He wished the President good health, long life and continued service to the nation and humanity.
Arewa Think Tank backs second term bid
A strong show of political support for President Tinubu also emerged as the Arewa Think Tank convened a prayer session in Kaduna to mark his 74th birthday and endorse his anticipated re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking at the event held at Arewa House, the convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, described the gathering as not just a celebration, but a movement, underscoring what he called a collective commitment to Nigeria’s reform agenda under the current administration.
Yakubu praised President Tinubu’s leadership, highlighting key economic decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange system.
He characterised these measures as “bold but necessary,” arguing that they are laying the groundwork for long-term economic stability and growth.
“At 74, Mr. President is confronting realities others avoided and fixing what others refused to touch,” Yakubu said, adding that, “Reforms are not comfortable, but they are essential for national progress.”
The Arewa Think Tank also used the occasion to criticize opposition figures, accusing them of failing to act decisively when previously in power and now offering what Yakubu described as “empty promises and recycled slogans.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Yakubu framed the choice before Nigerians as one between “progress and stability” under Tinubu or a return to “uncertainty and failed leadership.”
He called on Northern Nigerians in particular to remain united and resist divisive politics based on ethnicity or religion.
