•Asks associates to donate advert money to charity
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
As Nigerians continue to experience hardships occasioned by policy reforms of the present government, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled any form of celebration for his 72nd birthday, enjoining associates not to place goodwill messages on radio, television and in newspapers.
President Tinubu, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, will clock 72 on March 29.
But the President has advised associates and well wishers who intend to celebrate with him on that day to channel their donations to charity organisations.
Tinubu, in the statement by Onanuga, banned any form of advert placement in newspapers, radio or television stations, saying he would use the day to reflect and re-dedicate himself to the task of building a more stable, more secure, virile, prosperous and united Nigeria.
The statement read: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will turn 72 on Friday, March 29, 2024. The day will be another important milestone in his life as a leader and a statesman.
“During an auspicious occasion as this, it is customary for family members, friends and associates to celebrate him in different ways.
“As the leader of our country, President Tinubu in deference to this challenging times will not host any birthday event and does not want any of his associates and numerous well-wishers across the country to organise any celebratory event on his behalf or in his name.
“President Tinubu appreciates the honour of being the leader of Africa’s leading nation at this time and he is working very hard to make life better for the generality of our people.
According to him, because of the present mood of the nation and recent killing of the officers and men of our Army and Police in Delta State and recent spate of security breaches by criminal elements in different parts of Nigeria, there should be no form of birthday event and placing of birthday goodwill advertorial messages in newspapers. Goodwill messages should not be placed on radio and television stations too.”
