In light of the current national challenges, President Bola Tinubu has decided to observe his 72nd birthday this Friday with a subdued celebration.
He has called upon his friends and associates to forgo any festivities and instead engage in contemplation and commitment to the nation’s development.
A statement released on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, highlighted the somber national atmosphere, exacerbated by recent security incidents, including the loss of military and police personnel in Delta State.
The statement emphasized, ““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.”
This birthday marks President Tinubu’s first since his inauguration on May 29, 2023. Traditionally, the President hosts a colloquium to discuss national issues as part of his birthday events.
However, this practice has been paused since 2021, with last year’s colloquium canceled in respect for the victims of the Kaduna train attack and replaced with prayers for the nation.
