Ahead of his 72nd birthday on Friday, President Bola Tinubu has decided on a subdued celebration given the current turbulent state of the nation.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser, Media and Information Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu emphasized the need for reflection and renewed dedication to nation-building during these challenging times.
Citing recent tragic events such as the killings of security personnel in Delta State and escalating security breaches across the country, President Tinubu urged his associates and well-wishers to refrain from organizing celebratory events on his behalf.
Acknowledging the significance of his upcoming milestone, President Tinubu expressed gratitude for the privilege of leading Nigeria during these critical times and reiterated his commitment to improving the lives of citizens.
This marks the first time President Tinubu will celebrate his birthday since assuming office in May 2023. Traditionally, he hosts a colloquium to discuss national issues, but this has been postponed since 2021. In previous years, he canceled the colloquium in 2022 to honor the victims of the Kaduna train attack and opted for prayers instead of celebrations for his 71st birthday in 2023.