From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, has congratulated former President and elder statesman, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, on turning  92.

Senior Special Assiatant on Media and Publicity to the President, Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande, in a statement said  Osinbajo joined Shagari’s family, well-wishers and indeed all Nigerians, in celebrating  selfless service, leadership and steadfast commitment to the advancement of Nigeria, over the years.

Osinbajo said decades after serving as Second Republic president of Nigeria, Shagari has continued to advance the unity, peace and prosperity of our nation.

He expressed believe that the patriotism, principles and the lofty values the former president displayed throughout his public life as a teacher, politician, parliamentarian, president and now as an elder statesman, make him one of the foremost national leaders of our time.

The acting president also added that he was confident that the honesty and strength of character with which former president Shagari has been known, will continue to be a source of inspiration.

Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan has also congratulated Shagari, who turned 92 on Saturday, February 25, 2017.

Jonathan, in a birthday message signed by his Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, in Abuja, described Shagari as “a man of honour and unmatched dignity, who left enduring legacies as president.”

The former president said in and out of office, Shagari has continued to inspire generations of Nigerians through his patriotism, selflessness, simplicity and unwavering commitment to the peace and unity of the country.

“You diligently served your nation as a teacher, parliamentarian and president.

“You have continued to serve Nigeria, even in your old age, as an elder statesman and sage who calmly offers his wise counsel on national issues.

“Your Excellency, in your wisdom, you envisioned a great nation and I pray to God to grant you more fruitful years to see Nigeria attain that enviable height we all desire.”

Speaker Yakubu Dogara, in his message, issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Turaki Hassan, noted that Shagari served Nigeria selflessly and always put the country first.

“Former president Shagari is an embodiment of humility and selfless service; a father of all and pillar of support.

“We celebrate him as he marks his 92nd birthday.

“He has been source of wisdom to all who go to him for counsel and remains a shining example of how leaders should be,” Dogara said.