President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who will turn 72 on March 29, 2024, has decided to forgo any celebratory events marking his birthday this year.
In a press statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President cited the nation’s current challenges and recent security breaches as reasons for his decision.
According to the statement, President Tinubu does not want any of his associates or well-wishers across the country to organize any celebratory events on his behalf or in his name.
The President appreciates the honor of leading Africa’s most populous nation during these trying times and is working tirelessly to improve the lives of Nigerians.
“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,” the statement read.
President Tinubu has also requested that goodwill messages not be placed on radio and television stations.
Instead, he has encouraged friends and associates who may wish to place goodwill advertorials to donate the money to charity organizations of their choice in his name.
Despite acknowledging the gallantry of the Nigerian armed forces in securing the release of kidnapped schoolchildren in Kuriga, Kaduna State, and Sokoto State, the President plans to use the opportunity of his birthday to reflect and rededicate himself to the task of building a more stable, secure, virile, prosperous, and united Nigeria.