The birthday of President Bola Tinubu is supposed to call for pomp and ceremony, but he got, as his 74th birthday gift, a mixed cup of ‘ice cream and vinegar’.

Even on the President’s birthday, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has refused to oblige him with some kind words, as it described the administration as one that is impossible to ignore, alleging that every hour a Nigerian is killed by terrorists.

However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has some soothing words in its congratulatory message, praising his leadership and asserting that Nigeria is reclaiming its pride of place among nations under his administration.

Also, as expected, his Significant Other, Oluremi, blended personal affection with a message of national reflection.

Meanwhile, the President himself said he was celebrating a low-key birthday because of the “mood of the nation”.

The ADC, in a birthday message to Tinubu, did not eulogise him, but reminded him that under his watch, Nigeria has climbed to fourth on the global terrorism index and escalating poverty.

In his X handle, the National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, tweeted: “Happy Birthday, Mr President, as you mark another year, Nigerians reflect on a presidency whose impact is now impossible to ignore.

“Under your watch, fuel prices have risen by nearly 500 per cent, turning basic transportation into a daily calculation of survival. Under your leadership, Nigeria has climbed to fourth on the global terrorism index, while thousands of lives have been lost to violence, families shattered and communities displaced. Every hour, a Nigerian is killed by insurgents.”

According to him, birthdays are for reflection.

“So as you celebrate your final year in office, Nigerians can only offer a prayer, that next year brings a sudden and unfamiliar miracle: that you begin to take governance more seriously; that you finally see the loss of lives under your watch as a failure of your leadership; and that you begin, at the very least, to act with the weight and responsibility of leading the world’s most populous Black nation.”

He wished the President good health, improved judgment and a sense of responsibility to the people you govern.
APC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, joined millions of Nigerians and well-wishers across the globe in celebrating the President, whom it described as a veteran democrat, statesman, bridge-builder, and patriot dedicated to the service of the nation.

The party noted that under Tinubu, Nigeria “is steadily regaining its standing in the global community.”

It credited the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda for driving reforms in key sectors, including the economy, infrastructure and public institutions.

IN a deeply emotional note on Saturday, the First Lady celebrated her husband with words that resonated widely: “Akanbi, omoolodo ide. I love you, and I am so proud of you.”

Her message, rich in personal admiration, underscored both her pride in the President’s life journey and her confidence in his leadership at a pivotal time for the nation.

President Tinubu used the occasion to reflect on the state of the nation, declaring that the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the wake of his administration’s reforms were beginning to yield results.

Tinubu, who observed the occasion low-key in line with the prevailing national mood, stressed that the gains recorded by his administration were a collective achievement.

Yet, amid the policy reflections and national messaging, it was the First Lady’s simple but powerful declaration, “I am so proud of you”, that captured the emotional essence of the day, offering a rare glimpse into the personal bond behind the presidency.

ON why he chose to mark his big day low-key, the President stated: “Consistent with my tradition over the years to mark my birthday in line with the mood of the nation each year, I resolved to also observe this year’s birthday low-key.”

The former governor of Lagos State said he was aware of the tough economic situation Nigerians were facing due to his policies, worsened by the impact of the Israel-United States war on Iran.

Tinubu thanked his wife, Oluremi; Vice President Kashim Shettima and others who have felicitated with him on his 74th birthday.