Governors, others celebrate Tinubu at 74
From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja; Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti; Simon Utebor, Asaba; Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia; Jide Orintunsin, Abuja; Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan; AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Alex
From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja; Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti; Simon Utebor, Asaba; Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia; Jide Orintunsin, Abuja; Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan; AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna
Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Alex Otti (Abia), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Hyacinth Alia (Benue) and others yesterday felicitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 74th birthday.
They described Tinubu as a selfless and courageous leader and the father of all.
In his message, Governor Oyebanji congratulated the President, saying his policies have continued to drive national development.
Oyebanji said that as a genuine lover of the people, a pathfinder and a committed democrat, the President has dedicated his life to the service of the country.
He said that Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and governance had come with great personal sacrifices, noting that the President had built an enduring legacy as a corporate professional, pro-democracy activist and political leader.
Oyebanji’s counterpart in Osun, Adeleke, said the President is “a one-for-all leader whose leadership transcends political differences and serves every Nigerian with fairness, vision, and inclusivity.”
The governor described the President as a pride of Osun, whose dedication to national development, unity, and public service continues to inspire confidence and hope across the country.
He added:“Your Excellency’s commitment to all citizens reassures Nigerians that leadership is about inclusion, service, and national progress. Your example shows that public office is not a tool for political targeting but a platform for the welfare of every citizen.”
Delta State Governor Oborevwori commended Tinubu’s leadership and far-reaching economic reforms.
He said: “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Delta State, I heartily congratulate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 74th birth anniversary”.
The governor noted that Tinubu’s reforms had significantly increased revenue accruing to states and local governments, thereby enabling subnational governments to undertake critical infrastructure projects and improve service delivery for citizens.
“Your bold and pragmatic economic reforms have not only repositioned the nation’s fiscal landscape but have also empowered states and local governments with increased resources to drive meaningful development and deliver democratic dividends to our people,” Oborevwori added.
The governor described Tinubu as a visionary leader whose commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s economy is yielding tangible results.
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In Abia, Governor Otti assured that his administration will not relent in its support for President Bola Tinubu.
Otti enjoined the President to remain committed and diligent in serving the nation, with a view to making life better for all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation.
He said: “We celebrate not just a birthday but the number one citizen and father of the nation, whom God has granted the rare privilege of being alive and in good health to celebrate such a milestone.
“At a time like this, my prayer is that God would bless the president with more knowledge, wisdom and good health as he continues to pilot the affairs of the nation and ensure that the country succeeds under his watch.’’
Enugu State Governor Mbah, who described the President as a visionary leader, said his life reflected enduring dedication to Nigeria’s development.
The governor said the President’s leadership demonstrated resilience and a bold commitment to reform, inclusivity and national renewal.
He said: “President Bola Tinubu’s 74th birthday offers a moment to reflect on a life intertwined with Nigeria’s democratic evolution and economic transformation.
“Courage in adversity defines leadership. The President’s journey clearly reflects this enduring quality.
“From the pro-democracy struggle to public office, his vision has remained clear and consistent,” Mbah said.
According to the governor, Tinubu’s patriotism is genuine, noting his actions are not driven by a desire for validation.’’
Mbah urged Nigerians to appreciate the President’s sacrifices in leading the country through a critical phase.
Also, Governor Yusuf said he was using the occasion to celebrate the President’s ‘’leadership, commitment, and dedication to national service.”
He commended Tinubu’s vision and efforts at strengthening Nigeria’s unity, stability, and socio-economic development.
The governor noted that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda continues to inspire confidence among Nigerians.
In Makurdi, Governor Alia described Tinubu as an uncommon leader, a patriot, and a symbol of enduring resilience.
Alia saluted the courage, vision, and unwavering commitment of President Tinubu to the greatness of Nigeria.
He said: “In moments that test the soul of our country, your leadership continues to inspire hope, unity, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
“Mr President, as you mark this special day, we pray for renewed strength, divine wisdom, and greater grace to lead Nigeria to even higher heights.
“Happy Birthday, Mr President. God bless you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
APC salutes Tinubu’s ‘visionary leadership’
The All Progressives Congress (APC) described the President as a patriot whose leadership has sparked a national resurgence.
In its tribute to mark his 74th birthday the ruling party said Tinubu’s life is an “eloquent testimony of selfless service” to the country.
The ruling party noted in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, that under the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” the Tinubu administration is making historic gains across multiple sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The statement reads in part: “Under President Tinubu’s purposeful and visionary leadership, Nigeria is steadily claiming its place of pride among the great nations of the world
“His administration is relentless in delivering progress, recording epic strides in economic reforms, infrastructural development, institutional reforms, and historic tax and fiscal policy transformation.”
The party also pointed to the President’s impact on social stability, noting that he has prioritised youth empowerment and the welfare of the Nigerian workforce.
The statement highlighted the “resolute will” of the President to establish a solid foundation for the country’s future.
The party added that under Tinubu’s watch, it has ‘’morphed into the largest political party in Nigeria in terms of reach, membership, structural dominance, and influence since our founding in 2013.”
The APC reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment” to the President’s agenda, pledging to stand firmly with the Commander-in-Chief as he continues to navigate the nation’s path toward prosperity.
“It is our heartfelt prayer that God, in His mercies, will grant you many more years in excellent health, wisdom, and strength as you continue in service to our great nation and humanity,” the APC prayed.
Alake extols transformative leadership
Also, Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake showered encomiums on the President in a special message to felicitate his birthday.
Alake said the President had demonstrated exemplary leadership, particularly during the struggle to uphold the annulled June 12, 1993 election.
He said: “For almost four decades, I have watched closely how your leadership has defined the course of our nation’s destiny.
“From your pivotal role in the struggle for the actualisation of the annulled June 12, 1993 elections, to your transformative tenure as governor of Lagos state, to galvanising the first successful merger of opposition parties in our nation’s history.
“Now as President, you are spearheading a renaissance, silently leading reforms, quite unprecedented in our nation’s history.
“When the story of Nigeria’s democratic evolution is told, your name will stand etched as an indelible part of it, your footprints firmly engraved on the sands of time.”
He prayed for God’s guidance and wisdom for the President as he carries out his duties to lead the country in the right direction.
Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon courage, says Fasoranti
The Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 74th birthday, saying that he has demonstrated ‘uncommon courage and wisdom in governance’.
According to the organization’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the National Leader expressed ‘profound delight’ on the 74th birthday of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Ajayi quoted the nonagenarian as saying: “It’s a thing of joy that our President is 74 today. Formerly as Governor of Lagos State and now as President of Nigeria, he has exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable courage, profound vision and exemplary leadership.
“Given the situation of things in life these days, it takes the grace of God to be 70 which is the Biblical age.
“At 74, it means that our president has even added four years to the Biblical age of 70.
By the good grace of the Almighty God, he will live for many more decades in sound health, robust stamina and enhanced wisdom and courage to continue to steer the affairs of our dear country in the right course, amen. Happy birthday”.
Afenifere spokesman stated that President Tinubu “is someone in whom Pa Fasoranti has implicit confidence in his capability to reorganize Nigeria in such a way that every one would be proud of”.
Afenifere Leader, who is also the Asiwaju of Yoruba, expressed confidence that the reorganizations being carried out in various sectors by the President “will soon turn Nigeria around for the better by the grace of God”.
Ndoma-Egba greets president
Former Senate Leader and Chairman Governing Coucil of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba has said the administration of President Bola Tinubu will continue to lead the charge in transformative leadership to the pride of Nigerians.
The former senator made the remark in a statement yesterday in commemoration of President Tinubu’s 74th birthday.
He described the President as a giant of democratic principles.
“President Tinubu is a towering figure as a democrat of note and a progressive politician who has made tremendous impact in public sector governance in not only Nigeria, but the African continent,” Ndoma-Egba said.
He said that through the President’s reforms efforts, there is a new thinking in Nigeria’s public service which mirrors a good example of corporate governance.
“I wish to join the multitude of supporters, admirers and political leaders who celebrate President Tinubu on his 74th birthday today (yesterday).
“What we celebrate today are not just years of age, but the enduring impact and values that the President has imprinted in the lives of people and the course of corporate governance and promotion of democratic ideals.
“While I humbly wish the President a happy birthday and divine grace of more years in the service of the country and humanity at large, I also wish to appreciate his immediate family for the home support that enabled the President to traverse through a long and rewarding journey in politics and public service,” Ndoma-Egba noted.
Arewa Think Tank urges patience, backs Tinubu’s reforms
Stakeholders at a prayer session organised by the Arewa Think Tank in Kaduna to mark the 74th birthday of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have urged Nigerians to remain patient, stressing that the administration’s reforms require time to yield lasting results.
The group’s Convener , Mohammed Alhaji Yakubu, said the initiative, sustained over the past three years, was anchored on religious obligation and the need to support leadership during challenging times.
“In the last three years, this has been our tradition. Islamically, we are enjoined to pray for our leaders, our country and our fellow countrymen,” he said. “Considering the present situation, what the president and the country need now is prayers, not ostentatious celebrations.”
Yakubu dismissed calls in some quarters urging the president not to seek re-election, insisting it was premature to assess his performance. “The first tenure has not been completed. He has just spent about three years. We are already seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
Acknowledging existing challenges, he maintained that the administration had made a promising start. “We are not saying he has done perfectly well, but he has started on a good footing. Let us give him the benefit of the doubt,” he added, affirming that the group was fully aligned with the president’s political future.
“For us in the Arewa Think Tank, we are 100 per cent behind him and his re-election,” Yakubu said, dismissing criticisms from some northern leaders as distractions. “There is a lot of noise, but can you compare noise with substance? We are working with substance, not noise.”
He urged Nigerians to endure current economic hardships, noting that reforms often come with initial pain. “There is no royal road to success. There is no success without pain. We will soon get there, and we are already seeing positive signs,” he said, citing improved fiscal flows to sub-national governments and ongoing infrastructure projects.
Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Tijani Kaura, defended the administration’s reform strategy, likening it to rebuilding a damaged structure. “When the president came in 2023, he met a house with a leaking roof full of holes,” he said.
“He had two options — to patch the holes or remove the entire roof and build a new one for lasting stability. He chose the harder path, and that is why Nigerians are facing these difficulties,” Kaura added, noting that it would be unfair not to allow the president complete his reform process.
Similarly, labour leader, Issa Aremu, said recent economic and labour reforms show signs of progress despite prevailing challenges. “We can debate prices, but fuel scarcity is no longer the issue it used to be,” he said, pointing to the increase in minimum wage and improved revenue profile as evidence of reform efforts.
Aremu, however, stressed the need for intensified job creation, describing employment as central to long-term stability. “The key to sustainable security is jobs, jobs and jobs, especially for the youth,” he said.
Special Adviser to the Kaduna State Governor on Stakeholder Relations, Abdullahi Isyaku, who represented Governor Uba Sani, described the event as significant, noting that it underscored growing support for the administration.
“This is about the third time the Arewa Think Tank is organising this. It is aimed at praying for the president, the country and peace in Kaduna State,” he said, adding that the turnout of stakeholders across the North reflects a collective commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges.
The prayer session brought together religious leaders, political figures and stakeholders from across northern Nigeria, all emphasising the need for patience, unity and sustained support for ongoing reforms.
IGM: President an ‘architect of modern Nigeria’
A socio-political group, the Iyaloja General Movement for Renewed Hope Alliance (IGM), has felicitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 74th birthday.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Mutiullahi Olaide Oladeebo, popularly known as Okadigbo Agege, the group described Tinubu as the “architect of modern Nigeria” who has continued to play a pivotal role in the nation’s political evolution.
Oladeebo praised the President for his enduring passion for the country, noting that history would accord him a prominent place for his contributions.
“President Tinubu, our leader, is an enigmatic figure who has sacrificed a lot for the country over the last 40 years,” the statement said.
“At critical points in time, he has consistently stood on the right side of Nigeria’s history, whether as a pro-democracy activist or as a political leader.
“It is no gainsaying that at those defining moments, President Tinubu joined other patriots in demanding good governance and accountability, while also providing direction on the path to national progress and development.”
The group added that Tinubu’s courage and ongoing efforts to reposition the country, though challenging, are beginning to yield positive results.
Oladeebo urged Nigerians to support the administration’s reform agenda, expressing confidence that citizens would ultimately appreciate the President’s bold initiatives.
He said: “We call on Nigerians to continue to support the current administration. In the end, the people will laud the bold steps being taken to reposition the country.”
