The Presidency stated on Sunday that President Bola Tinubu's 72nd birthday on March 29 will be celebrated quietly.
The Presidency announced this in a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday.
The statement was titled ‘President Tinubu’s 72nd Birthday on March 29, 2024.’
Onanuga justified the low-key celebration due to the recent killing of army officers and policemen in Delta State and the current insecurity nationwide.
Tinubu suggested that in light of the recent security issues, there should be no birthday event or goodwill messages in newspapers, radio, or television.
He urged friends and associates to donate the money they would have spent on birthday adverts to charity organizations in his name.
Tinubu, who turns 72 on March 29, 2024, typically celebrates with family, friends, and associates in various ways.
The Presidential aide explained that Tinubu, as the country's leader, will not host or want any celebratory events organized on his behalf due to the challenging times.
The Presidency stated that Tinubu will use the opportunity of his birthday to reflect and re-dedicate himself to the task of building a more stable, secure, prosperous, and united Nigeria.
Although the President appreciates the bravery of the armed forces in rescuing kidnapped children in Kuriga, Kaduna State and in Sokoto State, the Presidency said he would use his birthday to “reflect and re-dedicate himself to the task of building a more stable, more secure, virile, prosperous and united Nigeria.”
Onanuga mentioned that the President is working diligently to improve the lives of the people as the leader of Africa’s leading nation at this time.
This comes months after the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, issued a similar announcement about the 63rd independence anniversary ceremony last October.
Akume had said rather than a full celebration at Eagle Square, the ceremonies would be held in a small ceremony at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, due to the economic situation at the time.
