“I Can’t Celebrate While Nigerians Suffer” — Gana Tells Tinubu

Veteran comedian and master of ceremonies, Peter Ogbudu, also known as ‘MC Gana’, has stirred widespread reactions online after refusing to celebrate his birthday. Instead, he used the moment to highlight Nigeria’s worsening economic and security challenges.

On his Instagram page, Gana wrote an emotional letter to Tinubu, saying he could not celebrate in good faith while many Nigerians continue to face hardship, hunger, and insecurity.

He said it would feel wrong to mark his birthday with celebrations while millions of citizens struggle daily and live in fear and uncertainty.

The letter, which has gone viral on social media, highlights the hardship many Nigerians are facing following recent economic reforms, especially the removal of fuel subsidy.

Gana said the rising cost of living has made basic food items too expensive for many families. According to him, a bag of rice that once sold for about ₦30,000 now costs more than ₦70,000 in many parts of the country.

He also complained about the rising cost of transport, saying fares have doubled and, in some places, tripled nationwide. According to him, many small businesses are struggling to survive due to high diesel prices and an unstable power supply.

The comedian further raised concerns about growing unemployment, especially among young graduates, many of whom now depend on petty trading and street hawking to make a living.

In his words:

“Nigerians are not lazy.” “They are exhausted by reforms that feel less like sacrifice and more like punishment.”

Speaking on insecurity, Gana described the situation as a national crisis affecting all parts of the country.

He said many farmers in northern Nigeria are afraid to return to their farms due to bandit attacks and kidnappings. He also mentioned the violence in the Middle-Belt region of the country.

He then called for community-based security, better intelligence gathering, improved welfare for security personnel, and stronger protection for farmers and rural communities. Leadership should not be judged by mere words, empty speeches, or policies with no action.

The message has continued to attract reactions online, with many Nigerians sharing concerns over the country’s economy and security challenges.