Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s president elect has cancelled his annual
birthday colloquium.
Tinubu who would be turning 71 years old on Wednesday 29th of March
opted to make his birthday used for special prayers and thanksgiving rather
than his annual birthday celebration. He added that he is seeking God’s
guidance for himself and the country as he prepares to take leadership.
The Former Lagos State Governor usually marks his birthday celebrations
annually with a colloquium.
In a statement yesterday by Tinubu’s media Aide, Tunde Rahman, stated that
prayers would be held in Lagos State and other parts of the country. The
special prayers would be offered at the Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, adding
that during the prayer sessions, special prayers would be offered for the
peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.
The Statement Read;
“Also to receive prayers among others are President Muhammadu Buhari and
first lady Aisha Buhari, President-elect, Tinubu, and his Wife, senator
Oluremi Tinubu, Vice-President-elect, senator Kashim Shettima, and Hajia
Nana Shettima, governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, other state governors as well
as members of the national and state houses of assembly.
“This year, the president-elect said the date, which falls within the holy
month of Ramadan should be dedicated to prayers and seeking God’s
guidance for him and the country as he prepares to take the reins of
leadership.â€
According to the announcement made by the organizers of the prayer
sessions issued by Imam Akeem Kosoko, the session at Alausa Central
Mosque would begin at 10am on Wednesday and would include delivery of
sermons and reading from the Holy Quran. According to Tinubu, this year would be the third in recent times he has
cancelled his birthday colloquium in regards to the developments of the
country.
In 2020, the 12th edition of the colloquium marking Tinubu’s 68th birthday
was put off to empathize with those who lost their lives or were affected by
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year, the birthday was called off by Tinubu right at the venue of the
event when news emerged of terror attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train in
which several persons died and many others abducted.