By PATRICIA AMOGU

Abuja will on March 24 host political leaders, cultural figures and business elites as Artifact Galleries stages an exhibition in honour of President Bola Tinubu.

The exhibition, titled “A Nation in Portraits,” is organised to commemorate Tinubu’s 74th birthday and celebrate his contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic development.

Mr Toyin Jinadu, the Event Coordinator, at a news conference on Friday in Abuja said the unveiling is designed not only to celebrate Tinubu’s life, but also reflect on his leadership journey and national impact.

Jinadu said Tinubu’s administration has pursued reforms aimed at repositioning key sectors of the Nigerian economy since assuming office.

He noted that fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, though difficult, are widely seen as necessary steps toward long-term economic stability.

According to him, the administration has also intensified infrastructure development, expanded social investment programmes, and prioritised revenue generation reforms to strengthen fiscal sustainability.

Jinadu added that Tinubu’s legacy as a political strategist and reformer continues to shape his national influence.

He said his tenure as Lagos governor laid foundations for modern governance and economic expansion in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

“The exhibition will feature over 150 curated portrait paintings of distinguished Nigerians, including a specially commissioned realism portrait of the president”.

Jinadu said the exhibition symbolises Tinubu’s place in Nigeria’s contemporary history and evolving national identity.

He added that the event aligns with the vision of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Centre for Art and Vocational (BATCAV).

According to him, the initiative aims to equip 100,000 Nigerian youths with creative and vocational skills, while promoting employment and cultural enterprise.

Dignitaries expected include Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo and former Zamfara Governor, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, who will serve as chairman.

Tinubu’s daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, will serve as Special Host, while Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected as Special Guest of Honour.

Other expected guests include Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Also expected are Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, and Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum.

Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu are also expected to attend the event.

Organisers say the exhibition will promote national unity and highlight the role of the creative industry in economic growth and youth empowerment.

They added that the event blends art, leadership reflection and national celebration in honour of the president.

The exhibition is expected to be a major highlight of activities marking Tinubu’s 74th birthday. (NAN)