By President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to national development, as he marked his 74th birthday on Sunday.
In a personally signed statement titled “Special Birthday Message,” the President thanked citizens for their goodwill, prayers, and demonstrations of solidarity, noting that he remains honoured to serve the country at a critical time in its history.
“Today, as I clock another year on the journey of life, I’m filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve this great nation,” Tinubu said, while acknowledging messages from across the country and beyond.
He also extended appreciation to individuals and groups who publicly celebrated him through media placements, as well as to his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their kind words.
The President disclosed that he chose to observe his birthday in a low-key manner, in line with what he described as the current mood of the nation. Reflecting on ongoing economic and political reforms, Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians have faced but insisted that there are signs of progress.
“I’m glad that our sacrifices have not been in vain, as we can see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, despite the temporary setback caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis,” he stated.
He emphasised that the achievements recorded by his administration are a collective effort, attributing progress not only to his government but also to the resilience and cooperation of Nigerians.
“As we march towards the third anniversary of our administration, it is my deepest conviction that we shall succeed in building a brighter future for our citizens and future generations,” Tinubu added.
The President further assured Nigerians of his administration’s determination to tackle prevailing challenges, calling for continued public support to achieve sustainable national growth and stability.
He concluded with a call for unity, urging citizens to work together towards building “a stronger, prosperous and more resilient nation that will make Nigeria the pride of Africa.”
Tinubu and Government Reforms
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office as Nigeria’s President on May 29, 2023, following his victory in the 2023 general elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Prior to his presidency, Tinubu served as the Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007
Before becoming governor, he was elected as a Senator representing Lagos West during Nigeria’s short-lived Third Republic in 1992.
Tinubu has remained a central figure in Nigeria’s political landscape for decades where he played a key role in the formation of opposition coalitions that eventually led to the defeat of the ruling government at the federal level in 2015.
Tinubu’s regime has been marked with reforms that masses have increasingly find difficult to acknowledge, as the cost of living keeps increasing while the standard of living declines simultaneously. The removal of fuel subsidy during his first day in office sparked an increase in fuel pump price down to food cost, transportation, among other things, visibly stifling the financial capacity of many Nigerians.
While many might claim that Tinubu has been successful in increasing foreign reserves, capital inflows and saving trillions from subsidy removal, many Nigerians still live below the poverty line. The electricity is nothing to write home about and there’s has been heightened insecurity ravaging the country as bandits and kidnappers now involve in large scale ransom business.
