The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has extended warm felicitations to Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 74th birthday, describing the milestone as both celebratory and reflective for the nation.
Speaking on behalf of the National Working Committee, party leaders, stakeholders, members, and supporters across Nigeria and the diaspora, Yilwatda noted that the occasion is not only a moment of celebration for the ruling party and the country, but also a time to reflect on the life, legacy, courage, and enduring contributions of a statesman whose political journey has profoundly shaped Nigeria’s democratic evolution and development trajectory.
He said President Tinubu’s life has been defined by uncommon vision, resilience, strategic leadership, and an abiding commitment to nation-building.
Over the decades, the APC chairman observed, the President has distinguished himself as a patriot, reformer, democrat, bridge-builder, and bold thinker who has consistently placed national interest above personal comfort.
From his role in the trenches of the democratic struggle to his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, and now as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Tinubu has remained a symbol of purposeful leadership and progressive governance.
According to Yilwatda, the President’s 74th birthday comes at a time when Nigeria is witnessing a decisive phase of courageous leadership and far-reaching reforms. He pointed out that Tinubu assumed office at a critical juncture, determined to confront deep-rooted structural distortions in the nation’s economy and governance architecture.
Rather than delay tough decisions, he said, the President has demonstrated statesmanship by initiating bold and comprehensive reforms to lay a sustainable foundation for national prosperity, economic stability, and inclusive growth.
“The reform programmes of the Tinubu administration are visionary, strategic and deeply rooted in the long-term interest of the Nigerian people. His administration has shown uncommon courage in addressing inherited economic challenges through difficult but necessary policy choices designed to reposition the country for greater productivity, competitiveness and resilience,” he said.
Yilwatda further stated that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is undergoing a broad-based recalibration of its economic and governance systems.
He noted that the administration has taken practical steps to stabilise the economy, restore investor confidence, strengthen fiscal discipline, improve revenue generation, deepen infrastructure development, reform critical sectors, expand social interventions, and create an enabling environment for enterprise and innovation.
He acknowledged that while these reforms may be demanding in the short term, they are foundational and transformative in their long-term implications.
The APC chairman also highlighted the President’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians through targeted policies focused on social welfare, agriculture, industrial revitalisation, energy security, education, healthcare, and ease of doing business.
He added that the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure renewal, digital innovation, youth empowerment, local production, social investment, and collaboration with subnational governments reflects a forward-looking governance philosophy.
Equally, he commended efforts to strengthen national security, preserve unity, and foster a more stable federation where citizens can aspire, contribute, and thrive.
Yilwatda described Tinubu’s leadership style as one marked by firmness, clarity of purpose, political wisdom, and an unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential, noting that at a time when the nation demands courage over convenience, the President has shown the capacity to shape history rather than merely manage it.
“As a Party, the All Progressives Congress is proud of the bold reformist direction of this administration and the discipline, focus and patriotism with which President Tinubu is steering the ship of state.
“We acknowledge that meaningful reform often comes with temporary discomfort, but we are convinced that the sacrifices of today will yield a stronger, more prosperous and more equitable Nigeria for present and future generations,” he said.
“Indeed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to inspire confidence across the nation through his steadfast dedication to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening and responsible governance. His leadership embodies the progressive values upon which our Party is built: courage, justice, development, inclusion and national renewal.”
Marking the President’s birthday, Yilwatda said the nation celebrates not just his age, but the depth of his service, the strength of his conviction, and the historic significance of his leadership at a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey.
“On this special occasion, I join millions of Nigerians, friends of Nigeria and admirers of purposeful leadership around the world in praying that Almighty God grants Mr. President renewed strength, divine wisdom, sound health and greater grace to continue leading our beloved country to peace, stability and enduring prosperity.
“Happy 74th Birthday, Your Excellency. Nigeria is grateful for your service. The All Progressives Congress is proud of your leadership. History will remember your courage,” Yilwatda said.
