Buhari, Tinubu eulogise acting president
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has said, at 60 years, he is happy and fulfilled.
He turned 60 yesterday.
Osinbajo spoke to State House Correspondents, shortly after he cut his birthday cake, with ministers, at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which he presided over at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He attributed his new age and other favour from God to what he called “the work of grace. Frankly speaking, there is no difference between today and yesterday. It is really a work of grace. It is worth thanking God, that one is 60 and in good health; and that one is able to serve one’s country. I am happy and fulfilled. I am thankful to God,” he said.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, coordinated the cake-cutting session.
Ministers and other members of FEC had earlier treated Osinbajo to a birthday song, when he arrived for the meeting in the Council Chamber.
While the song was going on, the acting president’s picture, with the inscription, “Happy Birthday” was displayed on the giant screen and the smaller ones inside the hall. At the end of the song, Osinbajo thanked council members for their good wishes and prayed that members, who are below 60 will grow to become 60, while those already above 60 will grow to become 120.
On his way out of the chambers, newsmen also sang a happy birthday song and asked him how old he was.
Earlier, at his official residence, Akinola Aguda House, family members had joined Osinbajo to cut his birthday cake and thanked God for sparing his life.
He and his wife later sang a special thanksgiving song, assisted by a pianist.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on extended medical vacation in London, United Kingdom, congratulated Osinbajo on his Twitter handle. He described him as a running mate turned friend.
“60 hearty cheers for @ProfOsinbajo, running mate turned partner in service to Nigeria; and friend. Happy Birthday, Professor!” Buhari wrote.
The president’s wife, Aisha, also congratulated Osinbajo on her Facebook page.
“On the occasion of your birthday, I wish to extend my congratulations to you and to state that the years you have spent building your reputation in multiple capacities have, today, resulted in your ability to carry out your duties in line with the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress, to ensure a better Nigeria is realised.Congratulations and happy birthday Prof.”
Meanwhile, former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has said Osinbajo’s birthday came at a momentous time.
Tinubu described Osinbajo as “a consummate team player who does not seek individual accolades.
“I congratulate acting president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on his 60th birthday,
“You’ve been a faithful and dedicated lieutenant to our president. We wish you nothing but the best and congratulate your loyal service to him and to our beloved country.
Also congratulating Osinbajo, founder of Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH), Emeka Ugwu-Oju said: “I most warmly congratulate you on your 60th birthday. It is our prayer that the good Lord will continue to shower his blessings on you as you continnue to assist our dear president in the onerous task of charting a new roadmap that will lead Nigeria towards sustainable economic growth and development.”
“I use this medium to join you and all caring Nigerians in praying for the imminent and safe return of President Buhari to continue to lead our beloved country towards the progress, prosperity and reform that shall turn Nigeria into the better nation that is its true destiny,” Tinubu said.