President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, issued an advisory to his friends and well-wishers ahead of his 72nd birthday on Friday, saying the recurring incidents of insecurity across the country do not warrant any celebration on that day.
In a release, titled, “President Tinubu’s 72nd Birthday on March 29, 2024,” by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the president said the current sad developments in the country would not allow for any form of celebration for his birthday.
According to him, because of the present mood of the nation and recent killing of the officers and men of rhe 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.
Tinubu advised his well-wishers that rather than spend a fortune to send goodwill messages in print and electronic media, such funds should be donated to charity organisations of their choice.
He said his major preoccupation at the moment as leader of the country was to make life better for all Nigerian citizens.
The president further said he would use the birthday to re-dedicate himself to the task of building a more stable, secure, prosperous and united Nigeria.
The statement said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will turn 72 on Friday March 29, 2024. The day will be another important milestone in his life as a leader and a statesman.
“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.
“President Tinubu enjoins friends and associates, who may wish to place goodwill advertorials, to kindly donate the money to charity organisations of their choice in his name.
“Although the president appreciates the gallantry of our armed forces in freeing our children kidnapped in Kuriga, Kaduna State and in Sokoto State, he 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.”
Deji Elumoye
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