Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday celebrated the 74th birthday of President Bola Tinubu with the distribution of 20,000 food packs and a personalised open letter to the state residents.

Some of the food packs were distributed at the De Blue Roof Event Centre, Agidingbi, Ikeja, while thousands of others were simultaneously shared in communities across the 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state.

The event was attended by top government officials, political and community leaders, women, youths and representatives of various groups.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr Tajudeen Afolabi, attended the event.

Food packs were also distributed to Christian and Muslim faithful at the Chapel of Christ The Light and the Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja.

In an open letter to Lagos residents, which was read during the ceremony at Agidingbi by the Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Ojodu LCDA, Segun Fayemi, Mr Sanwo-Olu urged the residents to join him in celebrating Mr Tinubu, who he described as an extraordinary leader.

The governor said that the food distribution was not merely a birthday offering but a symbolic reaffirmation of support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said, “As you receive this gift box, know that its contents are more than a token of celebration. It represents the united voice of Lagos State saying resoundingly that we stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and believe in the Nigeria he is building.”

Mr Sanwo-Olu said that Nigerians had endured the pains of reforms and were beginning to witness the rewards of their patience and resilience.

“We have endured the pains of the reforms together, and now we are beginning to reap the rewards of our endurance. The worst is behind us, and the best is in sight,” he said.

He urged the residents to remain optimistic and committed to the ongoing national transformation.

“The transformation President Tinubu has begun must not be abandoned. The seeds planted with courage, boldness and foresight are only just beginning to bear fruits,” the governor said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu also prayed for more years of good health, wisdom and strength for the President.

“May Almighty grant His Excellency many more years of excellent health, strength, wisdom and the grace to continue leading our great nation to its destined glory,” he said.

The governor further commended Mr Tinubu’s contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State during his tenure as governor, from 1999 to 2007, describing his legacy as foundational to the state’s current progress.

“As your governor, I have had the privilege of building upon the legacy President Tinubu created as governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. His visionary leadership transformed Lagos into the economic powerhouse it is today.

“The revenue architecture he pioneered, the institutions he built and the spirit of excellence he nurtured remain the pillars upon which our Greater Lagos agenda stands,” he said.

Mr Omotoso described the occasion as significant for Nigeria, particularly Lagos State, saying that Mr Sanwo-Olu considered it important for the residents to identify with the President’s birthday celebration.

“Today is a special day for Nigeria, a special day for the Black race and a special day for us in Lagos State because it is the birthday of our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Mr Governor felt it was important that Lagosians should participate in celebrating our President while also benefitting from this welfare initiative,” he said.

The commissioner said that representatives of different groups and local councils were deliberately invited to ensure the food packs would reach all segments of the state.

He stated, “You have people here representing the local governments and different groups in Lagos.

The idea is that all Lagosians should feel that today is the 74th birthday of Mr Presiden.”

Mr Afolabi said that the gathering was organised to celebrate Mr Tinubu’s good leadership and contributions to national development.

“This is the gift of Renewed Hope for Lagosians and residents of Lagos State. We also want to thank Mr Governor for this thoughtful initiative,” he said. 

(NAN)