From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated one of Nigeria’s foremost industrialists and philanthropists, Abdul Samad Rabiu, on his 66th birthday, describing him as one of the architects of modern Nigerian industry whose investments have significantly contributed to the country’s economic transformation.
In a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the Chairman of BUA Group and Founder of ASR Africa for his enduring contributions to industrial development, food security, job creation and philanthropy.
The President joined Rabiu’s family, friends, associates and the Nigerian business community in celebrating the businessman, saying his remarkable journey reflected “the power of vision, enterprise, resilience and an abiding faith in Nigeria’s promise.”
Tinubu said Rabiu’s investments had expanded domestic production, strengthened food security, created thousands of jobs and demonstrated the capacity of indigenous enterprises to compete successfully across the African continent.
“For decades, Abdul Samad Rabiu has exemplified the finest traditions of Nigerian entrepreneurship. He has built industries instead of seeking shortcuts, invested for the long term instead of chasing quick returns, and repeatedly demonstrated confidence in our country, even in periods when many preferred to wait on the sidelines,” the President said.
According to Tinubu, Rabiu’s achievements extend beyond the scale of the businesses he has established.
“His success is not measured only by the scale of the businesses he has built, but by the factories that continue to produce, the livelihoods they sustain, the communities they support and the confidence they inspire in Nigeria’s future. Through ASR Africa, he has also shown that prosperity carries with it a responsibility to give back and strengthen the institutions that serve our people,” he added.
The President noted that Rabiu’s long-term investments align with his administration’s efforts to reposition the Nigerian economy for sustainable and inclusive growth.
“As our administration continues to reposition the economy for sustainable and inclusive growth, we value patriotic entrepreneurs like Abdul Samad Rabiu whose investments complement government’s efforts to build a more productive, competitive and prosperous Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
The President also prayed for Allah to grant the industrialist sound health, wisdom and strength, wishing him many more years of impactful service to Nigeria, Africa and humanity.
(The Sun)