Amidst the prevailing hardships faced by Nigerians due to government policy reforms, President Bola Tinubu has made a notable decision regarding his upcoming 72nd birthday celebration.
In a departure from tradition, President Tinubu has chosen to forgo any form of celebration for his milestone birthday on March 29. Instead, he urges associates not to extend goodwill messages through traditional media channels but to direct their generosity towards charitable organizations.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu emphasized the need to use this occasion for reflection and rededication to the noble task of building a stronger, more prosperous, and unified Nigeria.
The statement reads in part, “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.”