Amidst the prevailing hardships faced by Nigerians due to government policy reforms, President Bola Tinubu has made the decision to cancel any form of celebration for his upcoming 72nd birthday.
The President, whose birthday falls on March 29, has opted instead to use the occasion for reflection and to rededicate himself to the task of nation-building.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu has urged his associates and well-wishers who intended to celebrate with him to redirect their efforts towards supporting charity organizations.
In light of the current challenges facing the country, the President deemed it more appropriate to forego personal celebrations and focus on contributing to the welfare of those in need.
The statement also emphasized President Tinubu’s directive to refrain from any form of advertorial placement in newspapers, radio, or television stations in connection with his birthday. Instead, he intends to utilize the day to contemplate the nation’s current situation and reaffirm his commitment to fostering a more stable, secure, prosperous, and united Nigeria.
The statement read: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will turn 72 on Friday March 29, 2024. The day will be another important milestone in his life as a leader and a statesman.
“During an auspicious occasion as this, it is customary for family members, friends and associates to celebrate him in different ways.
“As the leader of our country, President Tinubu in deference to this challenging times will not host any birthday event and does not want any of his associates and numerous well-wishers across the country to organise any celebratory event on his behalf or in his name.
“President Tinubu appreciates the honour of being the leader of Africa’s leading nation at this time and he is working very hard to make life better for the generality of our people.
“According to him, because of the present mood of the nation and recent killing of the officers and men of our Army and Police in Delta State and recent spate of security breaches by criminal elements in different parts of Nigeria, there should be no form of birthday event and placing of birthday goodwill advertorial messages in newspapers. Goodwill messages should not be placed on radio and television stations too.
“President Tinubu enjoins friends and associates who may wish to place goodwill advertorials to kindly donate the money to charity organisations of their choice in his name.
“Although the President appreciates the gallantry of our armed forces in freeing our children kidnapped in Kuriga, Kaduna State and in Sokoto State, he will use the opportunity of his birthday to reflect and re-dedicate himself to the task of building a more stable, more secure, virile, prosperous and united Nigeria.”
President Tinubu’s decision to forego personal celebration in favor of charitable contributions suggest his willingness to serve the nation’s interests and prioritizing the well-being of its citizens during challenging times.
As Nigerians grapple with economic hardships, his gesture serves as a reminder of the importance of solidarity and collective efforts in addressing national issues.