By Elsie Udoh
Nigeria’s President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has penned a heartfelt message to Nigerians to mark his 71st birthday.
Tinubu, who added a year to his age trailed by felicitations from well-wishers, shared a note on Wednesday expressing his gratitude to God for opening doors of opportunities to him and to others for their kind words.
He also mentioned how much of a privilege it was to be given “the honour of a lifetime” as the newly elected president and wrote that he had received the greatest gift for his birthday.
The president-elect further reiterated his commitment to rebuilding a better Nigeria, which will benefit every Nigerian.
He wrote, “Yet, this is my first birthday as the President-elect. A few weeks back, Nigerians gave me the honour of a lifetime. In exactly two months, on the 29th of May my term in office will begin. It is a rare privilege indeed, and one that I do not take lightly and shall not squander.
“With such a privilege already granted to me, I will not go so far as to suggest I am due any birthday presents this year. I have already been given the greatest gift. A chance to lead and fulfil destiny. An opportunity to champion your aspirations and to bring about the Nigeria of your dreams.
“I will, instead, use this day as an opportunity to reiterate my commitment to the great and important task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the hope of the Nigerian people. I campaigned hard and made important promises. Those promises were not mere words; professed glibly or cynically to win support. They represent a bond that binds me to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian, whether you voted for me or not. I have prepared for this moment all my life, I will not fail.
“Henceforth, may growth, hope, peace and compassion stand proudly and ring loudly throughout the land. May we find the right way and the good courage to turn our beloved country into a strong, just and prosperous home for all. May Almighty God bless all Nigerians.”
