President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed deep appreciation for the kindness and prayer of the Nigerians as he marked his 73rd birthday.
At the special IFTAR held at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night, President Tinubu thanked the guests for their presence, prayers and contributions to the development of the country.
Naija News The report said it was in a statement Saturday night, led by the President’s Special Adviser for Information and Strategy, Its Inthuanuga.
President Tinob acknowledged the challenges he faced on his path as president reaffirmed his commitment to promoting progress in Nigeria.
The gathering included the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife Nana Shettima, a member of the Federal Executive Committee, chief official of the National Assembly, current and former governor, diplomat, business leader, religious figures, religious figures, and some of the president’s childhood friends.
Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu, an imam of the Abuja National Mosque, led the special prayer for seeking divine guidance and continued to advance for the president and the country.
Reflecting on his political journey, President Tinob narrated a moment of skepticism in his 2023 campaign when he planned to evacuate the game after meeting with close relatives.
He said:Those who are close to me know the chances are mine. During the campaign, one of them came to my living room around 3:30 am and said he needed ₦50,000 buy food for our uncles.
“He told me, ‘The currency disappeared because of you. People jumped onto the bank counter because they didn’t have cash. Our uncle, a rich man, didn’t even have any ₦10,000 cash. What are you running? ”
“I told him, ‘I’m running for president, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him ₦50,000. As he walked out he turned to me and said, “I don’t think you will.” I replied, “I will.”
The president revealed that his uncle later called to confirm that he received the money, but admitted that he only gave 10,000 people and the rest.
“I was surprised. At that moment, I almost gave up on the idea of running for president. But thanks to Aminu Masari and everyone who encouraged me. When I came to Abuja, Masari told me: “I am the chairman of the Northwest Group; don’t look back“,” he said.
Tinubu noted that he served during a period of economic uncertainty and had to make difficult decisions immediately, including eliminating fuel subsidies.
“On the day of the inauguration, I had to decide that it wasn’t something in the speech at first, that was fuel subsidies,” he said.
The president said Nigeria has achieved the rewards of this issue. “The mark of a great leader is being able to make the right decision at the right time. That day I declared that the subsidies had disappeared. The next day, I was hunted and completely abused in the media. But I stood firm and knew that this was the right choice for the future of our country.. ”
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the president’s sacrifice and noted that history will remember him as the leader to shoulder the most complex challenges of the United States.
“Thanks to his boldness, the future president of Nigeria will not have to fight the ghosts that plagued past governments, including fraudulent and tangled fuel subsidies, unstable foreign exchange markets and curbing the autonomy of local governments.
“These are the tricky issues that many of him have avoided. But Asiwaju didn’t avoid history; he came to rewrite it.
“In rewriting it, Asiwaju took many bullets before him, and lacked the courage to face to face at all. But it’s about real leadership: it’s not for those seeking comfort. It’s a tough choice for those who understand the great path of the nation.,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the president’s ability to forgive and his ruthless enthusiasm for national development.
Akpabio described the president as a leader who thought outside the box and was the “boldest president” in the country’s history.
He said the governor is getting more and more distributions under Tinubu’s watch.
“If I were the governor of your government, I would be the “supernatural governor”, not the rare governor,” he said.
House Speaker Benjamin Kalu described President Tinubu as leader who broke the barriers and promoted the future Nigerian politicians.
He noted that the president has occupied leaders for decades.
“Today, he is at the forefront because Nigeria needs him. In 2019, although not his area, he supported me during my toughest political moments. Nigeria needs leaders to transcend tribe considerations, and he has proven it,” he said.
The IMO state governor hopes Uzodinma praises the president’s decisive leadership when Nigeria needs stability.
“Only a leader with deep faith and loving faith can take bold and necessary decisions that avoid national collapse and now restore hope and confidence throughout the Federation,” he said.
Dr. Bosun Tijjani, Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, shared his personal experience that despite his past radicalism being appointed by Tinubu.
“I had never met Mr. President before the appointment. But after I confirmed, he told me, ‘I looked at your records and activism, I gave you a chance to serve,'” He said.
The minister recounts a recent meeting at the World Bank where a senior official described President Tinob as the best reformist leader in Africa today.
Professor Shaffideen Adeniyi Amuwo, the president’s childhood friend, recalled their early years and how the divine will led to Tinubu’s presidency.
“Our relationship not only started in Chicago; we played football together as a kid. When I chose a library, my brother chose politics because he liked to talk. Today, Allah shows his greatness by guiding him to lead Nigeria.
“The city of Chicago, founded by black people, has educated the man who leads the most populous black country. I pray that Allah will continue to hold his hand and guide him to save our country,” he said.
