Former President Goodluck Jonathan marked his 67th birthday on November 20, 2024, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from various prominent Nigerians, including Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, SilverBird Group CEO Ben Bruce, and Reno Omokri.
The celebrations, which took place on social media, underscored the former president’s legacy and continued impact on the nation. Governor Douye Diri led the tributes, offering his birthday wishes and praising Jonathan’s leadership.
“Happy 67th Birthday to a worthy leader and a consummate democrat, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR,” Governor Diri wrote. “On behalf of the Government, the people of Bayelsa State, and the Ijaw Nation at large, I rejoice with our father, Dr. Jonathan, on this special day.
“We celebrate your patriotism and forthright leadership that remains a model and reference point for our country and the continent. Today, we pray, as always, that the torch you lit will continually glow as our democracy thrives. May God continue to fill you with wisdom and also keep you in sound health. Happy Birthday Your Excellency sir!”
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also took to X to honor Jonathan’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, saying, “Today, our nation celebrates a champion of democracy, our former President, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan @GEJonathan. His dedication to the greater good continues to impact countless lives in profound and meaningful ways.
“As he celebrates today, my family and I pray that the Almighty continues to bless him with good health, enduring joy, and renewed strength in the years ahead. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency, and many happy returns!”
Ben Murray-Bruce, a longtime associate of Jonathan, expressed his admiration for the former president, writing, “Wishing my boss and elder brother, former President Goodluck Jonathan, @GEJonathan, GCFR, GCON, a very happy 67th birthday. May your strength, wisdom, and impact continue to flourish with each passing year. May God’s blessings and favour always be with you. It’s truly an honour to share our heritage from the same state.”
Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, shared a heartfelt message, reflecting on Jonathan’s humanitarian qualities and his impact on Nigeria’s development. “Former President Goodluck Jonathan is the most humane and decent person I have ever met. And I have traveled worldwide and met different faces in various places.
“If I could describe him, I would say it this way. If you can imagine all the goodness in the sometimes dirty game of politics and put it in one individual, that person would be Dr. Jonathan.”
Omokri highlighted several of Jonathan’s key achievements, such as the construction of almajiri schools, the Youths With Innovation in Nigeria (YouWIN) program, and the development of new federal universities. He also praised Jonathan for his simplicity and leadership qualities, recalling a memorable moment when Jonathan, as president, showed kindness in an everyday encounter.
“His ability to take pain and pleasure with equanimity offered serendipity to the nation at a time when we needed the panacea of peace and unity most urgently,” Omokri concluded. “On his sixty-seventh birthday, it is my pride and honour, as well as a joy to me, to wish Dr. Goodluck Jonathan a happy birthday. May God bless you, and may you never diminish during your lifetime and in posterity. Happy birthday to the Face of Democracy in Africa.”
