Tinubu bans birthday advertorials, opts for quiet celebration

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who will turn 72 on March 29, 2024, has said he wants a quiet celebration.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Tinubu said the day will be another important milestone in his life as a leader and a statesman.

He said in deference to the challenging times, he would not host any birthday event and did 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.

The statement said, “During an auspicious occasion such as this, it is customary for family members, friends and associates to celebrate him in different ways.

“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 the recent killing of the officers and men of our army and police in Delta State and the 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.

“President Tinubu enjoins friends and associates who may wish to place goodwill advertorials to kindly donate the money to charity organisations of their choice in his name.

“Although the president appreciates the gallantry of our armed forces in freeing our children kidnapped in Kuriga, Kaduna State, and in Sokoto State, he will use the opportunity of his birthday to reflect and re-dedicate himself to the task of building a more stable, secure, virile, prosperous and united Nigeria.”