Sanwo-Olu marks Tinubu’s 74th birthday with 20,000 food packs for Lagos residents

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday marked the 74th birthday of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the distribution of 20,000 food packs to residents across the state, alongside a personalised message urging continued support for the President’s reform agenda.

The initiative, which cut across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), was formally launched at the De Blue Roof Event Centre in Agidingbi, with simultaneous distributions held in other parts of Lagos.

Top government officials, including the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and the Special Adviser on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Tajudeen Afolabi, led community leaders, women and youth groups at the event.

Food packs were also shared with Christian and Muslim faithful at the Chapel of Christ The Light and the Central Mosque in Alausa, as part of efforts to ensure broad reach across religious and social groups.

In an open letter to Lagos residents, read during the ceremony, Sanwo-Olu called on citizens to celebrate Tinubu’s life and leadership, describing him as an “extraordinary leader” whose policies, he said, were beginning to yield results despite initial challenges.

The governor urged Lagosians to remain optimistic about the country’s future, stressing that ongoing reforms under the President’s administration require sustained public support.

“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,” the letter stated, while calling for renewed commitment as the country approaches the next electoral cycle.

Sanwo-Olu also reflected on Tinubu’s legacy as former governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, crediting him with laying the foundation for the state’s current economic status.

He noted that the institutional structures, revenue framework and governance model established during Tinubu’s tenure have continued to shape Lagos’ development trajectory, describing the state as one of Africa’s leading economic centres.

Speaking at the event, Omotoso described the occasion as significant for both Lagos and Nigeria, noting that the governor designed the initiative to enable residents participate in celebrating the President while benefiting from a welfare programme.

“It is a special day for Nigeria and Lagos. Mr Governor felt it was important that Lagosians should participate in celebrating our President,” he said, adding that representatives from across local governments and community groups were invited to ensure inclusiveness.

Also speaking, Afolabi said the distribution reflected the administration’s commitment to residents’ welfare, describing the gesture as part of the “Renewed Hope” initiative for Lagosians.

Beneficiaries at the event commended the state government for the intervention, describing it as timely amid prevailing economic challenges, while pledging continued support for policies aimed at improving living conditions.

The event concluded with prayers for Nigeria and for President Tinubu’s continued health, strength and leadership.