President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their goodwill messages, prayers, and support as he marked his 74th birthday.

The President, in a special birthday message released by the State House on Sunday, thanked citizens across the country for their patriotism and solidarity with his administration.

Tinubu said he was deeply touched by the show of love from Nigerians, including those who took space in newspapers and paid for airtime on radio and television to celebrate him.

“Today, as I clock another year on the journey of life, I’m filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve this great nation,” the President said.

“I want to take this moment to thank Nigerians for their messages, show of love and prayers on the occasion of my 74th birthday. I thank all our citizens for their patriotism, solidarity and support for our administration.”

He also expressed appreciation to his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their kind words about him.

“I must thank my wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, for her kind and loving words. I also thank Vice President Kashim Shettima for all he said about me,” he added.

Tinubu explained that he chose to mark his birthday quietly in line with the current mood of the nation.

“Consistent with my tradition of marking my birthday in line with the mood of the nation, I resolved to observe this year’s birthday in a low-key manner,” he stated.

The President also reflected on the reforms undertaken by his administration and the challenges Nigeria has faced during the process.

According to him, the sacrifices made by Nigerians and the government are beginning to yield results.

“As I mark this special day, I am reminded of the challenges we’ve faced since we initiated our reforms. I’m glad that our sacrifices have not been in vain, as we can see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, despite the temporary setback caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis,” Tinubu said.

He stressed that the progress recorded by the government was the result of collective effort.

Tinubu said: “The credit for the positive outcomes we have achieved does not belong solely to me, our Renewed Hope team, or our government. We achieved the gains together.”

Tinubu expressed optimism about the future of the country as his administration approaches its third anniversary.

“As we march towards the third anniversary of our administration, it is my deepest conviction that we shall succeed in building a brighter future for our citizens and future generations,” he said.

The President assured Nigerians that his government remains determined to tackle the nation’s challenges.

“We are determined to confront some of the challenges we face today, and with your continued support, we shall overcome,” he said.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to continue working together to build a stronger and more prosperous country.

The President said: “Let us continue to work together to build a stronger, prosperous and more resilient nation that will make Nigeria the pride of Africa.”

He concluded his message with a lighthearted remark: “Thank you all, and happy 74th birthday to me!”

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Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, says many Nigerians may call for a constitutional amendment to allow President Bola Tinubu to remain in office beyond the two-term limit.

Akanbi spoke in a congratulatory message issued to mark Tinubu’s 74th birthday.

The statement was released by Ibrahim Alli, spokesperson to the monarch.

The traditional ruler described the president as a decisive leader who has laid the foundation of hope for the country.

“Many Nigerians may call for a constitutional review to enable Tinubu to serve more than two terms in office. He is a leader who knows what he is doing,” Akanbi said.

The monarch said the president has demonstrated strong leadership through reforms aimed at addressing economic challenges.

Akanbi said Tinubu’s campaign against illegalities has helped tackle issues that had previously slowed Nigeria’s economic growth.

He said the administration’s policies have contributed to improvements in economic indicators, citing what he described as improvements in the naira and a rise in Nigeria’s foreign reserves.

The Oluwo said the country’s foreign reserve increased from about $1 billion to between $49.5 billion and $50.45 billion as of late February and March 2026.

The traditional ruler attributed the gains to structural reforms introduced by the administration.

He listed exchange rate unification, increased oil production, and rising foreign investment inflows among the factors.

Akanbi also commended Tinubu for granting autonomy to local governments, noting that the policy has increased allocations to states and strengthened grassroots governance.

The monarch also praised the administration’s infrastructure initiatives, citing ongoing projects, including the Lagos-Calabar coastal road and the Sokoto-Badagry road.

Akanbi said the president has shown courage in implementing difficult policies.

“You are not yet a capable leader until you take decisions and stand by them,” he said.

“Many past presidents attempted to remove obstacles to economic prosperity but were overrun by public outcries.

“Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon leadership through reforms. Nigeria’s foreign reserves have increased to over $49.5bn from about $1bn.

“Local government autonomy is taking effect, states earn more, and road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Road, are ongoing.”

The traditional rules said the president’s policies are beginning to improve living standards, adding that the next phase would focus on achieving economic stability.

Tinubu marked his 74th birthday on Sunday with a low-key celebration and prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja.

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Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, was among dignitaries who attended the Janazah (funeral prayer) for the mother of Nasir el-Rufai at the National Mosque in Abuja.

El-Rufai had, last month, alleged that Ribadu ordered security operatives to arrest him.

The former Kaduna governor was in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of fraud and abuse of office when his mother died.

He was, however, granted compassionate release to attend the burial rites.

Following the death of Umma, Ribadu condoled with the former governor, noting in a social media post that he had fond memories of her.

Other prominent attendees included Atiku Abubabar, former vice-president; Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group; Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Rotimi Amaechi; former minister of transportation; Isa Pantami, former minister of communications and digital economy; Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Sokoto, Shehu Sani, former Kaduna senator and Osita Chidoka, former aviation minister.

Also in attendance were governors Babagana Zulum of Borno, Uba Sani of Kaduna and Umar Bago of Niger.

Umma’s remains were later interred at Gudu Cemetery in Apo following the completion of the janazah prayer.

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