President Bola Tinubu has decided to not hold any celebrations for his 72nd birthday due to the hardships faced by Nigerians following government policy reforms.
President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, released a statement saying that the President will be turning 72 years old on March 29th, and advised his associates and well-wishers to donate to charity organizations instead of celebrating with him.
President Tinubu has requested his associates and well-wishers not to advertise his birthday in newspapers, radio, or television stations, but rather to reflect and re-dedicate himself to the important task of building a stronger, safer, more prosperous, and united Nigeria.
The statement from Onanuga says that President Tinubu appreciates the honor of being the leader of Africa’s leading nation and is working hard to make life better for the generality of the people. He does not want any celebratory event on his behalf or in his name.
President Tinubu has also asked that no birthday goodwill advertorial messages be placed in newspapers, on radio or television stations, and that those who wish to place goodwill advertorials should instead donate the money to charity organizations of their choice in his name.
President Tinubu 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.
In 2023, Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of Labour Party, also canceled all forms of birthday celebration in his name due to the country’s current deplorable state. Obi turned 62 on July 19th, and via his Twitter handle, he said that a birthday celebration for him would be counter-productive in today’s Nigeria, where many are grappling with myriads of challenges.