The president‑elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, disclosed on Wednesday that he cannot afford to squander his mandate as the nation’s next president because it is a dream he has spent his life perfecting. In a sober reflection titled “My 71st Birthday Message to Nigerians,” he raised hope by vowing not to disappoint Nigerians when it matters most. He emphasized that his swearing‑in ceremony in two months will mark his preparation for the task ahead.
Tinubu’s message came a week after his media officer, Tunde Rahman, announced that the president‑elect had departed for a vacation in Paris, France. Rahman noted that after a short rest in Europe, Tinubu might stay to observe the Ramadan fast before heading for Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Until his aide clarified the situation, blogs and social media were awash with reports that the former Lagos governor had been rushed abroad for medical attention.
In his birthday address, Tinubu expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life and highlighted that the holy month of Ramadan could not have come at a better time. He said he cherished the month more than any personal celebration. “Dear Nigerians, I thank all of you who have expressed your goodwill towards me on the occasion of my 71st birthday. I received your kind words with great pleasure and was profoundly touched by the depth of your care and support. Above all, I thank God Almighty for the life He has given me, for all the opportunities and doors He has opened to me along the way,” he said.
He continued, “This year, I see this day as one of deep reflection. The spiritual meaning and significance of the holy month of Ramadan matter to me much more than the celebration of any individual milestone. Yet, this is my first birthday as President‑elect. A few weeks back, Nigerians gave me the honour of a lifetime. In exactly two months, on 29 May, my term in office will begin. It is a rare privilege indeed, and one that I do not take lightly and shall not squander.”
Tinubu added that he does not expect birthday presents, for he has already received the greatest gift: the chance to lead and fulfil destiny, to champion Nigerians’ aspirations and to bring about the Nigeria of their dreams. He pledged to use the day to reiterate his commitment to rebuilding the nation and renewing hope. “I campaigned hard and made important promises. Those promises were not mere words; they represent a bond that binds me to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian, whether you voted for me or not. I have prepared for this moment all my life; I will not fail. Henceforth, may growth, hope, peace and compassion stand proudly and ring loudly throughout the land. May we find the right way and the good courage to turn our beloved country into a strong, just and prosperous home for all. May Almighty God bless all Nigerians.”
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