Former President Muhammadu Buhari has extended birthday greetings to President Bola Tinubu on his 72nd birthday.
Buhari wished the President good health and a long life so the country could benefit from his “excellent leadership”.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu also congratulated President Tinubu, describing him as a “courageous, audacious, and passionate leader who is committed to the progress, growth, and development of Nigeria”.
Also, the Lagos State House of Assembly commended the President for deciding on no-celebration of his birthday in consideration of the mood of the nation. According to them, this was the mark of true leadership.
President Tinubu, who turns 72 on Friday, had opted for a low-key birthday celebration. He attributed this to the challenging times the country is facing.
In a statement on Thursday by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, the former President commended his successor for making “sustained efforts to overcome the many problems of the country”, while wishing him many happy returns of the day.
“My family and I pray to God that you remain healthy and happy and continue to work for the betterment of the country. Happy birthday to you”!.
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has also congratulated Tinubu, describing him as a courageous, audacious, and passionate leader who is committed to the progress, growth, and development of Nigeria.
In a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said that President Tinubu has provided honest and transparent leadership in Nigeria by taking bold decisions to address challenges militating against the prosperity of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Sanwo-Olu further described the President as a visionary and master strategist.
He said: “On behalf of my family, the government, the people of Lagos State, members of the Governance Advisory Council, leaders, and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, I congratulate our leader, President Bola Tinubu, on the occasion of his 72nd birthday.
“President Tinubu has sacrificed the greater part of his life in the service of our dear State and Nigeria. He contributed to the enthronement of democracy and good governance, serving first as a Senator in the aborted third republic and later as a pro-democracy activist, working tirelessly as a member of the National Democratic Coalition to struggle for the de-annulment of the 12th June 1993 presidential election.
“President Tinubu’s financial wizardry and economic intellect, which he put to good use as the Governor of Lagos State, have taken our dear state to a greater height. Today, Lagos is the pride of Nigeria, occupying an enviable position as the fifth-largest economy in Africa.
“President Tinubu has made positive impacts in the country through the Renewed Hope agenda of his administration. His unblemished service and track record of impressive achievements in public office have made him a role model for many Nigerians.
“As President Tinubu celebrates his 72nd birthday, it is our prayer that God will grant him more prosperous years in good health and wisdom as he continues to serve our dear nation”.
At plenary on Thursday, lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly took turns to speak glowingly of President Tinubu as he marks his 72nd birthday on Friday.
They said that it was important to celebrate the President’s achievements while he was governor of Lagos and his current strides noting that his policies in the State have continued to put Lagos on the global map.
While praying for good health and strength for the President, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa noted that the successes so far achieved by Lagos can be linked to Tinubu’s wisdom and leadership capacity.
“When Asiwaju Tinubu became governor, we all know how much Lagos was earning. He successfully moved the revenue of the state from N600 million to over N8 billion in 2007. He also set in motion strategies for the upward progression of the revenue generation.
“This is not just about his birthday. It is a celebration of Lagos and where his policies have carried us. The Lagos Red Line rail project was unveiled recently and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the achievement can be attributed to Asiwaju who created the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) while he was governor”, Obasa said.
The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Barrister Olalekan Onafeko to transmit a congratulatory message to the President on behalf of the lawmakers, staff and management of the Assembly.
In his contribution, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams prayed that the steps currently being taken by the President would bring Nigeria out of its challenges.
While the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu described President Tinubu as a compassionate leader, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun I) said Tinubu’s journey has been one of successes as seen in Lagos and his current administration at the centre. He prayed that the President’s current policies will also be beneficial to every citizen.
Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu (Epe II) recalled how Obasa prayed in 2019 that Tinubu would be President, adding that he had shown his leadership acumen by deciding not to celebrate this year’s birthday.
Hon. Foluke Osafile (Amuwo Odofin I) commended the President’s current steps while Hon. Adewale Temitope (Ifako Ijaiye 1) prayed that God continue to direct Tinubu’s paths and also keep Lagos lawmakers soaring.
