By Ayo Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous and resilient Nigeria, as he expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians for their goodwill, prayers, and messages of support marking his 74th birthday.
In a special message to the nation, the President said he was filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve the country, noting that the encouragement received from citizens remained a source of strength for his administration.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He appreciated Nigerians across various sectors for their solidarity and support, describing their patriotism as vital to the progress of the nation.
He stated,
“I thank all citizens for their patriotism, solidarity, and support for our administration,” he said, also commending those who publicly conveyed birthday wishes through newspapers and broadcast platforms.
“To those who have taken space in newspapers or paid for airtime on radio and television to wish me well, I thank you immensely.”
Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her love and kind words on the occasion of his birthday, describing her support as deeply meaningful.
“I must thank my wife, Oluremi Tinubu, for her kind and loving words,” he stated.
He further acknowledged the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, for his goodwill message and continued partnership in governance.
The President noted that, in line with tradition, he opted for a low-key celebration in view of the prevailing national mood, emphasizing reflection over fanfare.
“Consistent with my tradition, I resolved to observe this year’s birthday in a low-key manner,” he said.
Reflecting on ongoing reforms, Tinubu acknowledged the economic and social challenges facing the country but maintained that early signs of progress were becoming visible.
“I am reminded of the challenges we have faced since initiating reforms, but our sacrifices are beginning to yield results,” he said, adding that there was “a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel” despite temporary global economic pressures, including the ongoing Middle East crisis.
He stressed that the gains recorded so far were the result of collective sacrifice by both government and citizens, noting that national development must be a shared responsibility.
“The credit for the positive outcomes does not belong to me alone. We achieved these gains together,” he said.
Looking ahead to the administration’s third anniversary, the President expressed confidence that his government would continue to deliver long-term benefits to Nigerians.
“As we march towards the third anniversary of our administration, I am convinced that we shall succeed in building a brighter future,” he said.
The President called for unity, urging Nigerians to remain committed to the collective task of building a stronger and more resilient nation that can stand as a model across Africa.
