From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu marked his 74th birthday on Sunday, March 29, with a solemn prayer session at the National Mosque in Abuja, attended by top government officials, his sons, and presidential villa aides.
The President, who opted for a low-key observance as stated earlier in a statement, arrived amid tight security. A video shared by Hon. Nuhu Sada (@NuhuSada0) on social media captured him stepping into the mosque.
Tinubu offered prayers for Nigeria and global peace. He described the occasion as a time to reflect and give thanks, while acknowledging the economic challenges facing the country.
The President linked current pressures, including rising transport costs, to the Middle East crisis, and called for peace and stability worldwide. He also appreciated the prayers and goodwill messages from Nigerians and the international community.
Despite ongoing challenges in electricity and the economy, Tinubu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s resilience, assuring that the country will overcome. He urged Nigerians to remain united and committed to national progress.
He said: “
It’s a solemn day, it is a day to give thanks to Almighty Allah, sparring our lives and making things easy for me, family and all the team members, however, we are going through a very difficult period which is not our own making, as a result of the War in Middle East, we pray to Almighty Allah to bring peace and stability to the rest of the world.
“Best wishes Have been coming from across the country, from individuals. What do you say to them and the prayers given to you?
“I appreciate all of them, and I thank them. It was a deluge of best wishes and I appreciate all Nigerians. It is time to reflect, to give thanks to God Almighty, as well as rededicate ourselves to the progress, development and prosperity of this country, we are challenged. There is that of electricity, there’s a problem of transportation hike, there’s a problem of expected inflation as a result of the war that we have no control of. But we will overcome it. We are a resilient nation that is very, very committed and resilient to the way of Almighty God, we will overcome all action. Thank you.”