President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed heartfelt appreciation to Nigerians for their overwhelming support, goodwill, and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday.
The President made these remarks during a special Iftar gathering held in his honor at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night. In attendance were dignitaries from various sectors, including government officials, business leaders, religious figures, and close associates who joined in celebrating his milestone and reflecting on the nation’s progress.
A Moment of Gratitude and Reflection
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges he faced in his journey to the presidency and reaffirmed his commitment to driving Nigeria forward.
“The road to leadership was filled with obstacles, but my resolve to serve Nigeria never wavered,” he stated. “The outpouring of goodwill from Nigerians strengthens my determination to build a prosperous nation.”
The event was attended by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, Nana Shettima, Federal Executive Council members, principal officers of the National Assembly, current and former governors, members of the diplomatic corps, and key figures in the religious and business communities. Also present were some of President Tinubu’s childhood friends who have stood by him over the years.
A Turning Point During the 2023 Presidential Campaign
Reflecting on a defining moment in his campaign for the presidency, Tinubu shared an encounter that almost made him reconsider his ambition.
“During the campaign, one night at around 3:30 a.m., a close relative came to me asking for ₦50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle. He was frustrated, saying, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are struggling to get cash. Even our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t have ₦10,000.’ He then asked, ‘What are you running for?'”
Despite the discouragement, Tinubu said he remained resolute. “I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ But as he walked out, he said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.'”
He later discovered that the relative had only given their uncle ₦10,000, keeping the rest of the money for himself. “At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running,” Tinubu admitted. “But thanks to Aminu Masari and others who encouraged me, I pressed on. Masari assured me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back.'”
Decisive Leadership in a Time of Economic Uncertainty
President Tinubu reflected on the bold decisions he had to make upon assuming office, particularly regarding the removal of the fuel subsidy.
“On the day of my inauguration, I had to make a decision that was not originally in my speech—the removal of the fuel subsidy. Nigeria had reached a point of no return on the issue. A great leader must make the right decision at the right time. That day, I declared that the subsidy was gone. The next day, I was criticized heavily, but I stood firm, knowing it was the right step for Nigeria’s future.”
Support from Key Government Figures
Vice President Kashim Shettima commended the President’s leadership and sacrifices, emphasizing that history would remember him for taking on the nation’s most challenging reforms.
“Future Nigerian presidents will not have to wrestle with the same challenges that haunted past administrations—fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and local government suppression—because Asiwaju took the bold steps necessary to reform them,” Shettima said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded Tinubu’s resilience, describing him as a leader who thinks outside the box and has demonstrated audacity in governance. “If I had been a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ instead of an uncommon governor,” Akpabio joked, highlighting the increased financial allocations to states under Tinubu’s leadership.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, noted the President’s legacy in nurturing leaders across the country. “He has always believed in raising capable individuals. In 2019, despite not being from his region, he supported me in my most difficult political moment. Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal sentiments, and President Tinubu has set that example.”
Testimonies of Leadership and Impact
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State praised Tinubu’s decisive governance at a time when Nigeria needed stability. “Only a leader with deep conviction and love for the country could have taken the bold yet necessary steps that are now restoring hope and confidence across Nigeria,” he stated.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, shared a personal experience of being appointed by Tinubu despite his past activism. “Before my appointment, I had never met Mr. President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I am giving you an opportunity to serve,'” he revealed.
At a recent meeting at the World Bank, Tijjani recounted how a senior official described Tinubu as the best reformist leader in Africa today.
Childhood Friends and the Journey to Leadership
Professor Shaffideen Adeniyi Amuwo, a childhood friend of the President, reminisced about their early years, highlighting the role of destiny in Tinubu’s rise to power.
“Our journey didn’t start in Chicago; we played soccer together as children. While I chose academics, my brother chose politics because he loved to speak. Today, Allah has shown His greatness by guiding him to lead Nigeria.
“The city of Chicago, founded by a Black man, has educated the man who now leads the most populous Black nation on earth. I pray that Allah continues to guide him as he works to transform our country,” Amuwo said.
A Leader Committed to Nigeria’s Future
As President Tinubu continues to navigate the complex challenges of governance, his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress remains evident. The testimonies from political figures, childhood friends, and global leaders reflect a leader determined to make bold decisions that will shape the country’s trajectory for years to come.
With ongoing reforms and strategic policies in place, Tinubu’s administration seeks to lay a strong foundation for a more prosperous Nigeria, ensuring that the sacrifices of today yield a brighter future for all citizens.
