By Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, Segun James in Lagos, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan, Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City – President‑elect Bola Tinubu described his election as the greatest gift the Nigerian people could give him, saying he could ask for nothing more. He stressed that his campaign promises were not empty words spoken merely to win support; they constitute a binding commitment to create a better Nigeria for every citizen, regardless of how they voted. Tinubu made these remarks on the occasion of his 71st birthday, a day on which Vice‑President Yemi Osinbajo, governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), party leaders and other stakeholders also sent their felicitations.
In a statement, Tinubu reflected on his first birthday as President‑elect, recalling that weeks earlier Nigerians had honoured him with the “honour of a lifetime” by electing him. He said he would not ask for birthday presents, having already received the greatest gift: the chance to lead the nation and fulfil its destiny. He thanked those who offered goodwill and praised God for the life and opportunities He had given him. Tinubu noted that, in the holy month of Ramadan, the spiritual significance outweighed any personal celebration. With his inauguration set for 29 May, he pledged not to squander the privilege and reiterated his commitment to rebuilding the nation and renewing hope for the Nigerian people. “Those promises were not mere words—glibly or cynically spoken to win support. They represent a bond that binds me to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian,” he affirmed, adding that he had prepared for this moment all his life and would not fail.
Vice‑President Yemi Osinbajo personally signed a statement congratulating Tinubu on his birthday, praying that God grant him wisdom, strength and good health as he prepares to assume the presidency on 29 May 2023. Osinbajo recalled his service as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice under Tinubu’s Lagos governorship (1999‑2007) and expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s many years of service to Lagos, the nation and the APC.
The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), representing APC governors, also congratulated Tinubu, praising his patriotism, nationalism, boldness and courage. Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu, chair of the forum, said Tinubu’s vision of a proud Nigeria resonated widely and wished him a prosperous future, confident in his ability to deliver.
The APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described Tinubu as a true democrat and progressive leader who builds bridges across ethnic, religious and political divides. He noted that Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” message was heard by citizens, who voted overwhelmingly for him, and prayed that God renew his strength to improve living conditions for all Nigerians.
Oba Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, also sent birthday greetings, praying that Allah grant Tinubu the capacity to make a meaningful impact as leader of Africa’s most populous nation. In a statement released through his media aide, the monarch praised Tinubu’s achievement of his lifelong ambition and urged him to serve humanity with gratitude to the Almighty.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, speaking at a special birthday prayer service, attributed Tinubu’s emergence as President‑elect to mass support, noting that powerful opponents had placed many obstacles in his path, which he overcame miraculously. Sanwo‑Olu highlighted the coincidence of Tinubu’s birthday falling during Ramadan and called for prayers for his success. His chief of staff, Tayo Ayinde, echoed the sentiment at an interdenominational Christian service, describing Tinubu as a visionary, transformative leader.
The Asiwaju Support Group (ASG) hailed Tinubu as the “father of Nigeria’s nascent democracy,” while the AATSG’s national chairman Otunba Abayomi Abdulfalil Odunowo and publicity secretary Sam Atasia Oburu praised his role as the last surviving NADECO veteran, confident he will deepen the nation’s democracy.
Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi joined millions of Nigerians in congratulating Tinubu, asserting that history will be kind to him for his dedication to preserving Nigeria’s democracy. He lauded Tinubu’s experience and commitment to an ideal society.
The Tinubu/Shettima Grassroots Independent Campaign Council (TSGICC) expressed confidence that Nigeria is poised for a glorious era under Tinubu’s forthcoming administration. National Coordinator Hon. Silas Agara, former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, called Tinubu’s emergence a “unique divine arrangement” and echoed President Muhammadu Buhari’s birthday message, affirming that effective governance will follow.
Finally, the Independent Technical Working Group (ITWG) welcomed the inclusion of Tinubu’s team in President Buhari’s delegation to the World Bank spring meeting. Convener Taiwo Akerele emphasized the opportunity to address Nigeria’s 18.6 million out‑of‑school children, urging partnership with the World Bank and IMF to eliminate this crisis by 2027, invest in human capital, and strengthen gender‑based budgeting and social inclusion.
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