The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu were among Nigerians who shunned the directive by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu against sponsoring newspaper advertisements to celebrate his birthday.
Sanwo-Olu had in a statement told his friends, families, colleagues and associates that no congratulatory advertisements should be placed in newspapers to celebrate his 55th birthday.
Instead, he said, “The best birthday gift anyone would give me at this period is to identify those at the bottom of the pyramid wherever they reside, lift them up by putting smiles on their faces-that way, you would have lifted my heart too.”
However, Dateline Nigeria observed that many did not obey the Lagos State governor as no fewer than 14 colored pages were sponsored in the Thursday edition of THE NATION newspaper to celebrate his birthday. The nation is said to be owned by Tinubu.
In their message, Tinubu and his wife said Sanwo-Olu has, since assuming office as governor, always provided “dynamic, purposeful and responsive leadership” to Lagos State.
“The people have felt the impact of good governance because you respond positively to their yearnings and aspirations.
“The proactive manner in which you have handled the Covid-19 challenge, moving decisively to contain the spread of the virus and mitigating its economic effects on Lagosians is particularly remarkable.
“This is hardly surprising. Your background, robust education, experience and vast knowledge have all prepared you for public office.
“Our prayer is that God Almighty in His infinite mercies grant you the grace of many more years, robust health and renewed energy to continue in service of our people and humanity.”
