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By: Manoah Kikekon
ABUJA — Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a "masterclass in decisive governance," as the Nigerian leader marks his 74th birthday.
In a glowing tribute released on Sunday, March 29, 2026, Shettima lauded the President for his "uncommon fortitude" in navigating the nation through a period of profound structural reforms. The Vice President emphasized that the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda has successfully moved beyond theoretical policy to deliver measurable economic milestones over the past year.
According to the Vice President, the 74th year of the President’s life coincides with a significant turning point for the Nigerian economy. Shettima pointed to three key pillars of success under Tinubu’s leadership:
Accelerated GDP Growth: National output has surpassed initial projections, signaling a robust recovery.
Disinflationary Trends: After a period of high volatility, inflation has shown a sustained decline, easing the pressure on Nigerian households.
FDI Surge: Foreign Direct Investment has reached levels "unseen in years," reflecting renewed global confidence in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.
"History will record that you chose the path of reform over the comfort of populism," Shettima noted, highlighting the President's willingness to make difficult choices for long-term national prosperity.
Beyond macroeconomic indicators, Shettima praised the President’s aggressive focus on infrastructure. He described the ongoing construction of roads, bridges, and rail networks as the "arteries of commerce" that will sustain Nigeria’s economy for generations.
Of particular note in 2026 has been the progress on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the expansion of the national power grid, which Shettima believes are central to the President's vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
While dignitaries and political allies like Senate President Godswill Akpabio and several state governors have flooded the airwaves with felicitations, President Tinubu has opted for a low-key observance of his 74th birthday.
In a personally signed message, the President explained that his decision to keep the celebration subdued was in keeping with the "prevailing national mood." He expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their "unwavering patriotism and solidarity" during the implementation of his administration's reforms, noting that a "glimmer of light" is now visible at the end of the tunnel.
Closing his tribute, Vice President Shettima offered prayers for the President’s continued health and wisdom. He reaffirmed his "unwavering loyalty" to the President, stating that the work of national transformation begun under this administration is vital for the future of Africa’s most populous nation.