According to reports from Vanguard, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has stirred a wave of reactions with his decision to cancel his 72nd birthday celebration and refrain from placing adverts in newspapers, opting instead for donations to charity organizations.
However, amidst the ensuing controversy, Tinubu has assured newspaper houses of an apology for any inconvenience caused by his directive.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, conveyed the president’s message on Tuesday, shedding light on the rationale behind Tinubu’s unconventional approach to his birthday festivities.
In a statement, Onanuga emphasized Tinubu’s commitment to aligning with the prevailing national mood and the need to prioritize charity over personal celebrations.
President Tinubu’s decision to forego traditional birthday celebrations and advertisement placements in newspapers stems from his sensitivity to the challenges facing the nation, particularly in light of recent security incidents and loss of lives.
Tinubu underscored the inappropriateness of extravagant celebrations in the face of national tragedies and emphasized redirecting resources towards addressing pressing social issues.
Addressing concerns from newspaper houses about potential financial implications resulting from the absence of birthday adverts, Tinubu acknowledged the disappointment felt by media outlets.
He candidly acknowledged, “I know they will be angry with me. But I will apologize to them later.”
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