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Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu turned 74 on Sunday with a message of resilience, choosing to forgo elaborate celebrations in favour of a “low-key” observance.
In a personally signed statement on X, the President expressed profound gratitude to Nigerians while acknowledging the economic “sacrifices” the nation has endured under his administration’s sweeping reforms. He disclosed that he has chosen to have a modest birthday celebration because of the “mood of the nation”.
“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. 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,” said Tinubu.
“To those who have taken space in newspapers or paid for air time on radio and television to wish me well, I thank you immensely. 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. Consistent with my tradition of marking my birthday in line with the mood of the nation, I resolved to observe this year’s birthday low-key.”
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.
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… pic.twitter.com/DqL3IGvurh
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) March 29, 2026
He added that he is reminded of the challenges Nigeria has faced since his administration initiated its reforms.
“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,” he added.
Tinubu has been initiating reforms that many Nigerians have described as hard to bear since he was inaugurated on May 29, 2023. He began by removing fuel subsidies, which led to higher fuel prices nationwide.
He then adjusted Nigeria’s exchange rates to eliminate the disparity between the official and parallel market rates of the naira, but this led to the naira’s devaluation. One of his recent reforms is the tax reform.
While many Nigerians have expressed dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s reforms, Tinubu and his supporters have consistently praised them. He has, however, promised to build a brighter future for Nigerian citizens and future generations.
As the administration prepares to enter its third year in office, Tinubu issued a clarion call for national unity, urging Nigerians to remain “patriotism, solidarity and support” as the government works toward a “stronger, prosperous and more resilient nation.”
