By Eric Elezuo
The 40th birthday anniversary of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, the son of Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has generated more positive impact than most of the activities surrounding his birthday era.
From the president himself to members of the National Assembly, states governors, ministers, heads of agencies and parastatal, captains of industries and the general public, the feeling has remained the same with everyone spreading glowing remarks to the person and character of Nigeria’s unofficial first son.
Beyond being born into a privileged family, Seyi, who is fondly called ST or king of boys by teeming admirers, has shown that he was prepared to handle the arduous task of privilege, and he has handled it so perfectly that as many that knows him continue to stand in awe. He has magnificently maneuvered the proverbial silver spoon he was born to gold, and continues to reshape it to suit humanity-purpose.
Not a few has said that Seyi Tinubu is built to last, and of course, go places.
Born on October 13, 1985, in Lagos, Oluwaseyi Tinubu, who trained as a lawyer, is also a philanthropist, and a prolific entrepreneur.
His early schooling started at St Saviour’s School in Lagos before he was later moved to the UK for a more international education.
Seyi, a proud product of the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 2010 and a Master of Laws in Corporate and Commercial Law in 2015, had his basic education at Holmewood House School in the United Kingdom, before pursuing his secondary education at Milton Abbey School, known for its top-notch curriculum. Reports have it Seyi participated in rugby, athletics, and in 2004 was the captain of the school hockey team, from where his leadership skills were sharpened. It is also worthy of mention that he cut his academic teeth in Nigeria, precisely at the St Saviour’s School in Lagos.
To celebrate his ruby Jubilee anniversary, tons and loads of messages have flooded media space.
Leading the onslaught, President Bola Tinubu described him as a focused, courageous, and humble man who continues to live by the values of discipline, integrity, and service to others.
The president wrote, “Today, as you turn 40, I thank Almighty God for your life and the man you have become.
“You have walked your path with focus, courage, and humility, and you have done so with a heart that seeks to build, serve, and uplift others,” Tinubu wrote.
“From an early age, you have shown determination and a desire to create and lead.
“I have watched you turn ideas into institutions and challenges into opportunities.
“In business and in service, you have shown that true success is not measured by wealth or power but by the impact we make and the lives we touch,” the tribute read.
“Forty is a special age. It bridges youthful drive and the more profound wisdom that life brings.
“You have carried your name with honour and have remained faithful to the values of discipline, integrity, and hard work.
“Our entire family is proud of you. We are proud of the family you are building with Layal, your devotion as a husband and father, and your commitment to making a difference in your generation.”
“As you celebrate this milestone, remember that your strength lies in what you achieve and how you inspire others to believe in themselves.
“May God bless you with wisdom, good health, and peace. Happy 40th Birthday, my son. You have made us proud, and I know you will continue to make Nigeria proud.”
In the same vein, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement, described Seyi as an industrious and compassionate Nigerian who continued to inspire the youth through philanthropy and empowerment.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and people of Lagos State, I extend my warmest congratulations to Seyi Tinubu, the son of our leader, President Bola Tinubu, on his 40th birthday,” the statement said.
“Seyi Tinubu’s journey so far reflects courage, discipline, and service,” said the Lagos governor. “He has consistently shown commitment to uplifting others through impactful programmes.”
“As he steps into a new decade, may his path be marked by deeper impact and divine grace,” the governor said.
The Vice President Kashim Shettima, while celebrating Seyi, noted that “He learnt the art and science of leadership from one of the greatest political maverick of our time, President Bola Tinubu”.
Also celebrating the President’s son on his 40th birthday, billionaire businessman, Obi Cubana, wrote, “Happy 40th birthday ST my bro! More wisdom, more grace and more life in good health and sound mind as you climb up to the 4th floor! Birthday blessings, @seyitinubu.”
In the words of his wife, Layal Jade Tinubu, Seyi is selfless, loving and driven just as another friend, Maureen Arogundade says of him as being unshakable.
“Seyi’s most admirable quality is his authenticity; he never pretended to be somebody he was not. I have always admired the fact that Seyi is able to connect to people of different walks of life; whether in a room full of strangers or among hos close friends,” Layal reeled.
Geregu Energy boss, Femi Otedola described the birthday boy as very energetic, just his other close friends said he is far from the ordinary.
For Hakeem Muri Okuola, “you can’t describe Seyi in one word
In their own goodwill messages, singers Burna Boy, Olamide and Tiwa Savage described him as a legend, indescribable and newest entrant to the world of 40. In the same vein Fireboy wished him ‘big birthday blessings just as his brother, Yinka Tinubu, said the best way to describe is resilient.
Olamide added that Seyi is so humble that he treats the janitor the same way he treats the CEO.
For the Minister of Youth, Ayodele Olawande, Seyi Tinubu is ‘a strong man that always believe in his self’.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, sees himself in Seyi, saying “He reminds me of my days as a young man”.
The CEO of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, described him as someone, who will go to any length that ensure that no one is left behind.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on his own part, scored him tops in dedication to duties and patriotism to the nation.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service chief, Zach Adedeji wished long life and prosperity for all he is doing for humanity while the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila noted that Seyi has done some commendable deeds for his young age.
The Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial district, Asuquo Ekpeyong stressed that the President’s son is extremely reliable.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Tajudeen Abass confessed that ‘I’ve not seen so many people of his type while the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, said he has continued to touch the lives of thousands of people.
A friend of his, Fredrick Nadler, confirmed Seyi’s love for Amala
A mentee of the Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Seyi is a strong lover and supporter of polo, and Afro music.
However, one sees Seyi today, one thing is obvious; his legacy is sure going to continue to make waves even after the presidential tenure of his father.
Seyi is married to Layal Holm, now Layal Tinubu since 2016, whom he met on Facebook, and they are blessed with two adorable children.
Happy 40th birthday to the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Loatsad Promomedia.
