President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday. The celebration took place at a special Iftar dinner at the Presidential Villa, where he acknowledged the challenges he faced before assuming office.
During his speech, Tinubu recalled a particularly difficult moment in his 2023 presidential campaign when he briefly considered stepping away from the race. He shared an encounter with a close relative who visited him in the early hours, asking for financial assistance. The relative lamented the scarcity of cash caused by the naira redesign policy, questioning why Tinubu was still determined to run.
He quoted the relative as saying, “The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?”
Tinubu revealed that he gave the relative the requested N50,000, only to later learn that most of the money had not reached its intended recipient. He admitted that this experience nearly made him reconsider his candidacy. However, with encouragement from political allies like Aminu Masari, he remained resolute and continued his campaign.
Reflecting on his time in office, Tinubu noted that he assumed leadership during a period of economic uncertainty and had to make immediate decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies. He stated that this choice, though unpopular, was necessary for the country’s long-term stability.
“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal,” he said. He recalled facing criticism but remained steadfast, believing it was the right step for Nigeria’s future.
Vice President Kashim Shettima acknowledged the President’s courage, stating that history will remember him for tackling complex issues that previous administrations avoided. Shettima noted that Tinubu’s leadership had paved the way for future presidents by addressing long-standing economic and governance challenges.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also praised Tinubu’s leadership style, describing him as a forward-thinking leader with a commitment to national development. He noted that, under Tinubu’s administration, state governors now receive more federal allocations, which could significantly impact governance at the state level.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Shettima and his wife, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly leaders, governors, diplomats, and religious figures.
