President Bola Tinubu has said his foremost prayer on his 73rd birthday is for peace, stability and the safety of all Nigerians.
The president, who marked the occasion with a special Juma’at service at the National Mosque in Abuja yesterday, said the country’s security and unity remained at the heart of his personal supplications.
Speaking with journalists after the two Rakat Jumaat prayers, Tinubu said, “I prayed for our country to stabilise, to keep in peace, and to safeguard all the citizens.”
Tinubu, who turned 73 yesterday, expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting his prayers, noting that divine guidance and hard work must go hand in hand.
“I feel good, I feel happy, and we give thanks to Almighty Allah who has protected us so far and continues to answer our prayers. Accepting our ibadah is key and very important to all of us,” the president added.
He also said the solemnity of the occasion renewed his personal commitment to the Nigerian project, encouraging citizens to double their efforts in both prayer and work.
“Well, the word for all of this is hard work. You work harder, you pray harder. That is the inspiration I got from today,” he said.
The president was joined by top government officials, Islamic clerics and political allies for the special service.
First lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, in message in honour of her husband, described the president as her
“Knight in shining armor,” praising his courage, strength, and resilience over the years.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, congratulated President Tinubu, describing his passion for Nigeria’s progress as contagious, adding that his vision and dedication to Nigeria were inspiring.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago eulogised President Tinubu, describing him as a selfless, visionary, dedicated and progressive leader.
Bago said in a message said based on the exceptional leadership and passion for a positively transformed nation, the president had invested so much in building many people into greatness.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, congratulated Tinubu, saluting the president’s devotion to service and building brotherly understanding among the various sections of the nation.
In a birthday message, the governor said, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Enugu State, this is wishing you a happy 73rd birthday. Yours has been a life devoted to service and nurturing a deeper understanding and sense of brotherhood amongst Nigerians. These are enduring values and the hallmarks of true statesmanship.
“We wish you many more years in good health and joy. We also pray God to order your steps and grant you His uncommon grace as you guide our nation through these challenging times to a prosperous and surer future.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen also felicitated President Bola Tinubu, noting that he deserved being celebrated on the occasion of his birthday. The speaker said Nigeria was lucky to have a democrat and patriot in the person of Tinubu as its leader at this critical point in the country’s democratic journey.
He described Tinubu as one of the most experienced politicians to have occupied the presidential seat, having at various times excelled at the state and federal levels in the executive and legislative arms of the governments.
Similarly, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, also congratulated President Tinubu, praising his courageous decisions that he said had saved Nigeria from economic collapse.
