From Abdulfatai Abdulsalami, Correspondent (Sokoto)

He was speaking over the weekend in Sokoto while receiving Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim who was at his residence to deliver a goodwill message from Dr. Alex Ekwueme.
In his words “I don’t want to celebrate but people forced me especially Daily and Weekly Trust newspapers, but I must confess that I thank them most sincere for the wonderful job.
President Shagari said he admire the messages from his friend and that it has been cut and glaced for record purposes, pointing the attention of his visitors to it right inside his parlour.
The first executive president remarked that what he liked most about in the celebration was the prayers offered by Malams, adding that Daily Trust made the occasion big.
The first executive president explained further saying may the day the day praises never come adding that people want to praise you when you are gone noting that he thanks good that it was done when he was alive.
Alhaji Shagari thanked all well wishers who have been coming to rejoice with him at home and on the pages of newspapers, praying that may the Almighty Allah let all see many returns of the day.