By Our Correspondent
President Muhammadu Buhari says he is looking forward to retiring to his farm come 2023.
Buhari spoke on Friday in Istanbul, Turkey, where he marked his 79th birthday.
The president, who is in Istanbul for the Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit, said he would put in his best foot forward for Nigeria until he hands over to a successor.
“I thought that being away from Abuja I will escape these things. The Guards Brigade had written to tell me what they wanted to do on this day. Now here you are doing this far away from home,” Buhari was quoted as saying.
“I look forward to the year 2023 when I finish, to go home to take charge of my farm. Between now and that time, I will do the best that is possible to advance the interest of the nation and its people, and carry out my duties as prescribed by the Constitution.”
According to Garba Shehu, presidential spokesperson, the president was greeted by a “surprise lineup of the Nigerian delegation” with a cake decorated in Nigeria”s national colours when he stepped out of his suite for a meeting with officials of his delegation.
Geoffrey Onyema, minister of foreign affairs, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, and Ismail Abba, Nigeria’s ambassador to Turkey, congratulated the president on “the good work he is doing for the country”.
Meanwhile, David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi, has also felicitated with Buhari on his birthday.
Umahi said the people of Ebonyi appreciates Buhari’s leadership qualities and that the “entire country was praying in solidarity to God for more strength and wisdom for the president as he advanced the cause of the nation”.
“We most profoundly felicitate with the father of our nation, President Muhammadu Buhari, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on this auspicious moment of his 79th birthday,” Umahi said.
“Your Excellency, we thank Almighty God for his grace upon you and the accomplishments of your age.
“We are deeply enthused to associate with your superlatively charming personal character and the discipline of your leadership.”
Also, Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has felicitated President Muhammadu Buhari on his 79th birthday
Governor Abiodun, who expressed gratitude to God for granting the president good health as he advances in age, described him as a quintessential leader who has transformed the country.
He noted that the president has provided sterling leadership and displayed uncommon valour in the face of challenges confronting the nation.
Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin,on Friday, Gov. Abiodun further said that Nigeria under the watch of President Buhari, has witnessed great infrastructure transformation, industrial growth and improved economy.
The governor added that the president's economic policy of eat-what-you-grow has indeed enhanced agriculture and given boon to local production of food.
"On behalf of my family and the good people of Ogun state, I congratulate Mr. President on his 79th birthday. You are a indeed a quintessential and fearless leader who had led the country with uncommon valour.
"Mr. President, your tenure has brought unprecedented development to the country despite the global economic downturn. Your stance on issues of international importance has further entrenched Nigeria as not only a continental leader, but emerging global leader.
"As you add another year on earth, I pray God should grant you good health and more wisdom to lead our country to the Promised Land. May your days be long, Mr. President", Abiodun was quoted to have said in the statement.
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