Former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who turns 70 today, got plaudits yesterday from President Muhammadu Buhari.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan, House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, governors and many other dignitaries also celebrated the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his birthday.
President Buhari extolled his virtues as a pacesetter in leadership and good governance.
The birthday will be marked in Lagos today with a Colloquium, the 13th in the series.
A statement by Presidential adviser Femi Adesina, speaking on behalf of the President, said: “President Buhari joins members, leaders and chieftains of the APC in rejoicing with National Leader of the party and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his 70th birthday, March 29, 2022.
“President Buhari affirms the contributions of the party stalwart to the political, economic and social development of the country, setting a standard in leadership, governance and philanthropy.
“As the former Governor of Lagos State turns 70, the President notes and salutes his courage, resilience, selflessness and nobility in always placing the welfare and unity of the nation above self, backed with the vision of a greater Nigeria through investments in people, institutions and governments, without minding tribe or creed.
“The President prays that the Almighty God will increase Asiwaju Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom, in strength, good health and wisdom to keep serving the nation, and humanity.”
Lawan, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi, described Tinubu as an astute administrator who laid a solid foundation for the modernisation of Lagos.
To him, Asiwaju is a visionary political leader with a track record of building people and organisations.
The Senate President said: “I heartily felicitate the National Leader of our great party, Asiwaju Tinubu, on this occasion of his birthday.
“I join members of his family, friends, political associates and numerous well-wishers across and outside of Nigeria in rejoicing with Asiwaju for reaching this milestone in sound health of body and mind.
“Asiwaju Tinubu has lived a life of service, impacting many lives in several decades of active political participation and public service.
“This has made him a political pathfinder, leader of leaders and a legend in his own lifetime.
“Today, he is not just a principal actor in Nigerian politics, but also one of the main issues.
“I wish the Jagaban Borgu a happy birthday and many more years of impactful service to our beloved fatherland, Nigeria, and its great people.”
Gbajabiamila said Tinubu has demonstrated an uncommon and unyielding commitment to a progressive and prosperous Nigeria.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker extolled Tinubu’s unmatched credentials and invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s democracy in the past decade.
He said Tinubu’s services to his fatherland were most needed at this time.
Describing the presidential aspirant as the pillar of modern Lagos, Gbajabiamila believes the APC national leader would go down in history as one of the best and most impactful democrats Nigeria has had.
The speaker wished Tinubu more fruitful years in good health as well as increased wisdom from the Almighty God.
Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase, described Tinubu as a leader par excellence and a great strategist.
He said in a statement: “The life of this great Nigerian has been full of service to humanity and uplifting the lives of others. The great Asiwaju has been a blessing to many.
“Your leadership acumen has helped our generation a great deal. Your invaluable contributions to the development of our dear nation are commendable.
“To our great party, the APC, you have been a pillar of unity.
“I pray that the Almighty Allah will grant you many more healthy years so that you will continue your good works to advance and consolidate our democracy and good governance.”