Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the nation’s president-elect, said on Wednesday that because it was a dream he had spent his entire life perfecting, he could not afford to waste the opportunity.
There was a lot of promise in Tinubu’s sombre reflection, “My 71st Birthday Message to Nigerians,” as he resolved not to let Nigerians down when it mattered most.
The news comes a week after his press secretary, Tunde Rahman, said that the incoming president had left the country for a holiday in Paris, the capital of France.
Rahman stated that after taking a brief break in Europe, he might stay behind to observe the Ramadan fast before travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah.
The former governor of Lagos State was reported to have been sent abroad for medical treatment before his media assistant clarified the situation.
However, Tinubu reaffirmed that his swearing-in ceremony in two months would mark his preparation for the task ahead in his first birthday message to Nigerians as president-elect.
The former governor, who thanked God for saving his life, said that the holy month of Ramadan couldn’t have arrived at a better time and that he treasured it more than the commemoration of individual accomplishments.
He said, “Dear Nigerians, I thank all of you who have expressed your goodwill towards me on the occasion of my 71st birthday. I received your kind words with great pleasure and was profoundly touched by the depth of your care and support. Above all, I thank God Almighty for the life He has given me, for all the opportunities and doors He has opened to me along the way.
“This year, in particular, I see this day as one of deep reflection. The spiritual meaning and significance of the holy month of Ramadan matter to me much more than the celebration of any individual milestone. 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.”
