Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has expressed gratitude for the numerous birthday wishes he received as he turned 65 on February 16, 2025. However, he also noted that some of his well-wishers only reached out after President Bola Tinubu publicly sent his own message.
In a post on X, El-Rufai acknowledged all those who sent prayers and good wishes, including those who did so reluctantly. “I want to thank everyone that sent me their prayers and best wishes, including those that didn’t want to until President Tinubu’s message shamed them into action,” he wrote.
The former governor, who has been outspoken about issues within his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming number of messages.
“It has been about a week since many friends, associates, and admirers sent me various messages and prayers in commemoration of my 65th birthday,” he stated. “The prayers and good wishes were quite humbling and gratifying, but far too many and overwhelming for individual acknowledgement or response by me, hence this message.”
El-Rufai admitted that despite his efforts to acknowledge each message, he may have unintentionally overlooked some.
“I have tried to repost, retweet, and share all the birthday messages I received, but as an imperfect mortal, I am sure I couldn’t have done all. If I didn’t with yours, please forgive me. It is an omission of the head, not of the heart,” he added.
He also prayed for continued good health, happiness, and prosperity, hoping for a better Nigeria. “May the Almighty God accept our prayers and continue to shower His blessings on us and our people.”
