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Category: Bolaji Ogundele

  • Tinubu Caribbean gambit: visionary foray into uncharted alliances

    Tinubu Caribbean gambit: visionary foray into uncharted alliances

    When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu touched down in Castries, the picturesque capital of Saint Lucia, he wasn’t merely visiting a small island nation tucked away in the Caribbean Sea. He was planting the green-white-green flag squarely into the consciousness of a region long estranged from its African roots in official diplomacy. It was a calculated, courageous move—one that signposts a new kind of foreign policy thinking from Nigeria’s Commander-in-Chief: pragmatic, historically aware, and strategically global in outlook.

    For nearly a week, President Tinubu immersed himself in the affairs of Saint Lucia, a country whose population is scarcely more than a mid-sized local government area in Nigeria. On the surface, such a visit might have appeared ceremonial, or at worst, unnecessary. Critics, as they often do, leapt to dismiss the trip as a veiled holiday or, more mischievously, a disguise for medical tourism. But they were reading from an outdated script.

    This visit was neither a jaunt nor an indulgence—it was a purposeful diplomatic bridge-building exercise aimed at unlocking an entire subregion of untapped opportunity: the Caribbean, and specifically, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). It was about strategy, vision, and foresight. And in the Tinubu doctrine, foreign engagement is no longer just about the big, familiar power blocs. It is about value—economic, cultural, strategic—regardless of the size or geography of a potential partner.

    Saint Lucia is one of the smallest sovereign nations in the world, but don’t let its size fool you. Its GDP per capita dwarfs Nigeria’s by more than 15 times. It is a member of both the OECS and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)—the Caribbean’s collective diplomatic and economic powerhouse. What Saint Lucia offers is not just bilateral friendship, but a doorway into a 15-member Caribbean bloc with a combined GDP of $130 billion and a growing appetite for deeper ties with Africa.

    President Tinubu understands the importance of such strategic gateways. Just as Morocco uses Senegal to enter ECOWAS or how Turkey leverages Somalia for East African access, Saint Lucia could become Nigeria’s stepping stone into the Caribbean. And considering our deep, undeniable cultural and historical links—from the transatlantic slave trade to shared colonial legacies—it is a region with which Nigeria should have been engaging long before now, but better late than never. What Tinubu has done is not merely to open a door, but to take a bold step through it.

    In Castries, Tinubu became the first Nigerian President to address a joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly. But the significance didn’t end there. He also met leaders of OECS member states—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and others. This was not a visit to one nation. It was a diplomatic engagement with an entire subregion.

    His message was clear and consistent: Nigeria is ready to build new bridges, formalize diplomatic ties, and create pathways for mutual prosperity. And to prove that this was not just rhetoric, he announced the establishment of diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia, proposed a Joint Commission between Nigeria and the OECS, and offered full tuition scholarships to students from the region to study in Nigerian universities beginning next academic year.

    “We are not here to talk; we are here to act,” Tinubu declared during a press conference with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. And act he did.

    At the heart of Tinubu’s Caribbean pivot lies a recognition of shared identity. “Our two nations are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations,” he said in one of his many public engagements on the island. That sentiment resonates deeply in a region where African ancestry is not just acknowledged but celebrated. Saint Lucia, for instance, gave Nigeria one of its most distinguished post-independence legal icons—Sir Darnley Alexander, who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice between 1975 and 1979.

    Tinubu’s visit deliberately tapped into that emotional reservoir, but didn’t stop there. He moved swiftly into practical avenues: trade, investment, healthcare cooperation, technical assistance, and tourism.

    The Caribbean, with its booming service economy and well-established tourism industry, has gaps Nigeria can help fill—particularly in the health and education sectors. Saint Lucia has a growing shortage of healthcare professionals. Nigeria, despite its brain drain, still produces thousands of highly trained nurses and doctors each year. President Tinubu offered to deploy Nigerian professionals through the revived Technical Aide Corps—Africa offering value to the Diaspora.

    He also proposed visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders between Nigeria and OECS states. “Let us remove the barriers,” he said. “Let us ease the travel and trade routes between us.”

    President Tinubu’s Caribbean overture is best understood within the context of shifting global dynamics. The global North is retreating into protectionism and political uncertainty. From Brexit to the rise of nationalism in Europe and America, emerging economies can no longer afford to rely solely on traditional Western partners. The world is rebalancing, and President Tinubu, ever the realist, has read the moment accurately.

    His Saint Lucia mission reflects a broader pivot to the Global South, an ideological and practical move to deepen South-South cooperation. “There is growing uncertainty about the motivation underlying international relationships,” Prime Minister Pierre noted. Tinubu’s response was to offer certainty, clarity, and commitment.

    Already, Afrobeat music is building cultural bridges between Nigeria and the Caribbean. Nigerian artists are regular features at regional festivals. There is growing admiration for Nollywood, and universities in the region are interested in academic collaborations. All that was needed was a political handshake to set things in motion. Tinubu gave them one.

    As Africa’s largest economy and most populous country, Nigeria carries a unique set of assets: vast energy reserves, cultural dominance, and an emerging tech sector. Tinubu’s message in Saint Lucia was that Nigeria is no longer waiting for opportunity to knock—it is out knocking on new doors itself.

    He advocated for joint ventures in agriculture, tourism, and even climate resilience, where Caribbean nations have long been active in global advocacy. Another reason to court the region is the Dangote Refinery, which positions Nigeria as a major player in refined petroleum products—something Saint Lucia heavily imports.

    More importantly, Tinubu offered a glimpse into his administration’s foreign policy direction: it will be proactive, unconventional, and willing to engage the less traveled roads in search of long-term advantage.

    This is not just about what Nigeria gets out of Saint Lucia. It’s about what Nigeria learns and gains from building equitable, respectful relationships with smaller but capable nations. For decades, Nigerian diplomacy was dominated by big-stage summits, often with superpowers or regional heavyweights. President Tinubu’s Caribbean venture represents a break from that tradition—a refreshingly bottom-up approach to foreign policy.

    The President’s moves underscore the value of relational equity. These small countries vote in the United Nations. They sit on committees. They influence multilateral policy—especially on climate change, global taxation, and development finance. And with global institutions increasingly looking to diversify leadership and representation, having genuine friendships with OECS and CARICOM is a long-term asset Nigeria should treasure.

    Moreover, from a generational standpoint, the Saint Lucia visit sets the tone for a new kind of Nigerian diplomacy—one that sees the map not just in terms of geography but also in opportunity. One that sees beyond trade figures and population size, and focuses instead on value, alignment, and mutual respect.

    The Saint Lucia trip may not dominate newspaper headlines or light up evening television in the way domestic political drama often does, but history may well remember it as one of the smartest geopolitical moves of Tinubu’s presidency. It is one thing to manage crises at home—a task the President continues to face with unrelenting energy—but it is quite another to chart a future-facing foreign policy that positions Nigeria as a bridge between continents, cultures, and hemispheres.

    Only vision, foresight, and a strategic mind could have seen Saint Lucia not as an afterthought, but as a pivot point. And only a leader of Tinubu’s political boldness would have acted on that vision.

    From the Caribbean to BRICS: Tinubu’s Tireless Global Push for Nigeria’s Prosperity

    From the warm diplomatic embrace of the Caribbean to the strategic high tables of global geopolitics in South America, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to demonstrate an unyielding commitment to Nigeria’s place in the world. On Friday, he departed Castries, the capital of Saint Lucia — wrapping up a landmark state visit that deepened Nigeria’s footprint across the Caribbean — and arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he will represent Nigeria at the 17th BRICS Summit, opening today, Sunday, July 6.

    The back-to-back engagements signal more than a packed presidential itinerary. They represent a new foreign policy energy — focused, confident, and unapologetically pro-Nigeria. In Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean, Tinubu extended Nigeria’s cultural and economic influence, reviving forgotten historical ties and opening new corridors of cooperation in trade, education, energy, and tourism. Now, in Brazil, the President pivots to the larger stage of BRICS, where emerging powers are reshaping the global economic order.

    Nigeria’s participation in the summit is historic. No longer just a guest, the country now holds the upgraded status of “Partner Country” — an acknowledgment of Nigeria’s rising influence and economic potential. For President Tinubu, this is not a ceremonial appearance; it is a strategic mission. He is seeking stronger development partnerships, broader trade opportunities, deeper security cooperation, and a voice in defining the frameworks that will govern the next global economic phase.

    What makes this all the more striking is the President’s relentless pace. He has not paused to consider the physical toll — continent-hopping, high-level diplomacy, endless negotiations. Instead, he presses on with characteristic focus, driven by one thing: the promise he made to the Nigerian people — a future of prosperity, security, and stability.

    It is a mark of true leadership. Where some might see exhaustion, Tinubu sees duty. Where others retreat to comfort, he reaches for opportunity. This is a President walking his talk on the global stage, building relationships that will translate into tangible benefits — jobs, investments, infrastructure, and national pride.

    As the BRICS Summit convenes in Brazil, President Tinubu brings with him not just the Nigerian flag, but the hopes of about 250 million citizens seeking a better life. His message is clear: Nigeria is ready to lead, ready to partner, and ready to rise.

    From the Caribbean to South America, the world is listening — because Tinubu is making Nigeria’s voice impossible to ignore.

  • The week of rewriting Nigeria’s social contract, refocusing ECOWAS

    The week of rewriting Nigeria’s social contract, refocusing ECOWAS

    If ever there was a moment when the promise of a better Nigeria took a bold, decisive step toward fulfillment, it was on Thursday, June 26, 2025, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed four landmark tax reform bills into law. In one quiet stroke of the presidential pen, Nigeria embraced a historic shift — a pro-poor, pro-growth, and pro-justice fiscal reset that may well be remembered as the defining moment of this administration.

    For too long, the Nigerian tax system was a relic of a bygone era — complex, burdensome, and unjustly skewed against the poor and the struggling. With outdated legislation, the system had become a jungle of over 70 fragmented levies, confusing obligations, and overlapping authorities. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms have changed that narrative. And not just changed — rewritten it.

    “These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes,” the President said in a personal message shared via his verified X handle, @officialABAT. “They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation… targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet.”

    Indeed, the scope and spirit of the new laws — the Nigeria Tax Reform Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act — signal nothing less than a rebalancing of the Nigerian economy in favour of its most vulnerable citizens. This is what governance with empathy looks like.

    According to Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, over one-third of Nigerian workers in both the public and private sectors will now be fully exempt from paying personnel income tax. In a country where millions live on less than the equivalent of $2 a day, this is not just policy — it is justice. More than 90 percent of small, micro, and nano businesses will also no longer need to worry about taxes such as VAT, withholding tax, or corporate income tax. This is a massive reprieve for Nigeria’s informal economy and the backbone of its entrepreneurial spirit.

    READ ALSO: My biggest challenges in office, by Dapo Abiodun

    Even more heartening is the new wave of exemptions in critical areas such as food, housing, healthcare, education, and transport. Oyedele announced that all traces of VAT in these sectors have now been erased. With food inflation biting hard, especially among low-income households, this is a welcome breath of relief.

    Let us be clear: these are not cosmetic reforms. They are surgical interventions aimed at restoring fairness and correcting historical imbalances. President Tinubu himself described the reforms as a “reimagining of Nigeria’s fiscal culture,” one that rewards enterprise without punishing the poor.

    “We are not just signing tax bills,” he declared, “we are rewriting the social contract.”

    This bold language underscores the scope of vision driving the Tinubu administration — one that sees governance not merely as an exercise in policy drafting but as a deliberate covenant between leadership and the led. It is the embodiment of his Renewed Hope Agenda: a Nigeria of tomorrow being built right now, with the people at the centre.

    Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the newly established Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), put it succinctly when he explained the six-month lead time before implementation — the laws take effect January 1, 2026 — as a window for planning, sensitisation, and fiscal coherence. In this thoughtful approach lies another message: this administration is not in a hurry to score points; it is here to do things properly, with sustainability and inclusiveness at the core.

    It bears repeating that these reforms introduce no new taxes. Instead, they eliminate duplication, reduce corruption-prone layers, and enhance efficiency. They harmonise federal and state tax administrations under a more accountable system. This is not expansion of the tax net for exploitation; it is expansion for fairness and trust-building.

    The economic implications are profound. Investors, long wary of Nigeria’s inconsistent fiscal policies, now have clarity, predictability, and a unified system to engage with. For businesses, particularly start-ups and MSMEs, it is an open door to thrive. For the average Nigerian, it is less burden, more opportunities, and — crucially — a government finally speaking the language of equity.

    As Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted during the bill signing, “You have harmonized the entire tax system in this country… You are changing Nigeria’s future.” It’s not hyperbole. With improved revenue collection mechanisms and fiscal discipline, the state can now afford to serve better — from quality education and universal healthcare to resilient infrastructure and job creation.

    It is the beginning of a new era — not just for tax administration, but for social development in Nigeria.

    Yet, while Thursday’s tax reforms marked the economic high point of the week, last Sunday’s 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja offered another perspective on the weight of leadership — regional and historical.

    President Tinubu, having led ECOWAS for two consecutive terms, handed over the baton of leadership to Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio with a deep sense of fulfillment. But it wasn’t just ceremonial; it was a moment steeped in legacy and aspiration.

    During his tenure as ECOWAS Chairman, President Tinubu navigated some of the region’s most volatile episodes — military coups in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, mounting insecurity, political instability, and economic dislocations worsened by global shocks. He stood firm on the pillars of democratic governance and constitutional order, insisting that regional integration cannot be achieved on shaky political foundations.

    “Our organization must continue to strike a fine balance between its core regional mandate of economic integration and the complex political, security and governance challenges,” Tinubu said at the closing ceremony. “Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment.”

    This candid truth — that growth must go hand-in-hand with good governance — was at the heart of Tinubu’s leadership style both in Nigeria and across West Africa. He did not shy away from tough calls. He led the ECOWAS condemnation of military regimes while maintaining open channels for dialogue. He kept the dream of regional solidarity alive even amid disagreements, emphasizing diplomacy over force when necessary.

    In handing over to President Bio, Tinubu left a clear mandate: continue the pursuit of peace, inclusivity, and prosperity for all West Africans, particularly women, youth, and vulnerable groups. It was a timely and necessary charge.

    And yet, there is hope — grounded in action. As Tinubu said, ECOWAS must evolve into a “people-centered vehicle for peace, inclusion and opportunity.” That hope lives in his two-term legacy and the baton now passed.

    Week of Action – A Leadership Symphony in Motion

    The just-concluded week, for President Tinubu, stood out for its unrelenting pace, weight of impact, and wide-ranging resonance. From economic reformation to regional diplomacy, infrastructure development, national security, and civil service reforms, the President executed a master-class in governance as both action and vision. The standout event—the signing into law of four tax reform bills—was emblematic of a broader motif: a new Nigeria, not as a hope deferred, but a future taking root in real time.

    But the week began with a solemn assertion of presidential authority on Sunday, as Tinubu reacted swiftly to two violent tragedies: the murder of 12 wedding guests in Plateau State and a suicide bombing in Konduga, Borno State. He ordered security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice and reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on lawlessness. In a single breath, the President also mourned victims of an industrial explosion in Kano, calling for safety reforms—an indication that his government’s gaze extends beyond headlines to the corners where lives are often forgotten.

    On Monday, Tinubu returned to the domestic front with developmental gusto. In Kwali, he commissioned a 15-kilometre Pai Town Road, reinforcing his commitment to balanced infrastructure that uplifts rural communities. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, credited Tinubu with supporting over 150 kilometres of rural roads across Abuja’s area councils—a silent but transformative push toward national integration.

    But it was in agriculture that the President unveiled a truly forward-looking chapter. The commissioning of 2,000 tractors under the Renewed Hope Mechanisation Programme signalled the dawn of an agricultural revolution. “We are just beginning”, Tinubu said—yet the symbolism was potent. It was a concrete investment in the same rural Nigeria that feeds the nation but has long lacked support. Now, with mechanised farming, the pathway to food security, job creation, and export viability looks clearer than ever.

    By Tuesday, Tinubu was hosting Queen Mary of Denmark, exploring partnerships in livestock and education. Hours later, he welcomed Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin to the State House, discussing the $1 billion Green Imperative Programme—an agricultural overhaul effort driven by tech and bilateral ambition. In both meetings, Tinubu positioned Nigeria not just as a recipient of goodwill, but as a co-architect of global development.

    Midweek tributes revealed another layer of the President: the statesman with memory. He celebrated Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, praising their roles in deepening governance and Lagos development. He paid homage to the late Chief Cornelius Adebayo as a “true statesman,” reminding Nigerians that legacy matters in the story of national progress.

    On Thursday, besides the signing of the landmark tax reform laws, he authorised a full audit of the federal civil service, a move geared toward aligning public institutions with modern data-driven governance. And late into the night, he chaired a high-stakes reconciliation meeting to ease the political crisis in Rivers State—arguably his most successful behind-the-scenes intervention to date.

    On Friday, the pace didn’t slow. He received President Brice Nguema of Gabon, reaffirming Nigeria’s South-South diplomatic pivot. That same day, he appointed Barrister Ismael Ahmed to head the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, a pivotal post in his post-subsidy transition strategy.

    And on Saturday, he departed Abuja on a two-nation trip to Saint Lucia and Brazil—concluding a week that married action with diplomacy, home affairs with global outreach.

    In the end, whether through domestic tax reform or regional diplomacy, President Tinubu is sending a consistent message: leadership is service, not slogan. Governance is empathy, not ego. The Nigeria he envisions — prosperous, fair, inclusive — is one that starts from the ground up. With these landmark reforms and regional achievements, he has laid down another cornerstone in that vision.

    Indeed, the future may not be evenly distributed yet, but under Tinubu’s direction, it is steadily arriving — policy by policy, reform by reform. And for once, it feels like the Nigerian people are not being left behind.

    In seven days, President Tinubu governed with an energy befitting seven weeks—issuing a clarion call that Nigeria’s future isn’t an abstract ideal. It is being built, decisively and daily.

  • Gloom to hope: Tinubu’s unusual road to ending Benue’s bloodbath

    Gloom to hope: Tinubu’s unusual road to ending Benue’s bloodbath

    The week past was arguably one of the most emotionally charged, politically sensitive, and leadership-defining moments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s two years in the saddle. What usually would have begun as a regular week for the President swiftly morphed into a scene of national mourning and urgent leadership intervention, following the massacre of scores of citizens in the Yelewata community of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State. In a presidency filled with state visits, policy unveilings, and summit diplomacy, this moment stood apart—gripping the nation’s conscience and calling its leader to immediate, decisive action.

    President Tinubu’s decision to suspend his scheduled state visit to Kaduna to personally commiserate with the grieving people of Benue was not just symbolic; it was statesmanlike. It demonstrated a level of empathy and responsibility not often seen. But beyond the symbolism was substance—words not merely of comfort but of course correction, of vision, and of a leader anchoring his presidency on both the emotions and needs of the people.

    When he arrived in Makurdi, it was not with the glee of commissioning development projects or receiving accolades, but with a sober presence that reflected the nation’s collective heartbreak. “We are here not just to show our face,” he told a hushed town hall gathering at Government House, “but to share in your grief and condole you and ourselves for the loss of lives that occurred.”

    His speech, deeply human and politically poignant, acknowledged the sorrow but more importantly offered a path forward—a call to action for the state’s stakeholders, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, to seize the tragedy as a turning point. Perhaps the most compelling portion of the President’s address came when he shifted the focus from the event itself to the duty of leadership amid chaos. Addressing Governor Alia directly, Tinubu said, “The yoke is on you. That’s part of the problem of leadership. Move round to see those leaders, join them, ask them questions, to join you and find solution.”

    READ ALSO: How we survived herdsmen attack that claimed 200 lives in Benue community – Residents

    This wasn’t mere rhetoric; it was a strategic handoff laced with personal insight. Drawing from his own experience as Lagos governor during a period of ethnic tension, Tinubu reminded the gathering that peace, no matter how elusive, is achievable—but only with political courage, cultural sensitivity, and a readiness to confront difficult truths. His Lagos-era success in converting intergroup tension into an economic opportunity, particularly through the livestock sector, was cited not just as a case study but a blueprint: “When I faced the question of herders and butchers in Lagos, I solved the problem, and I created economy out of it… I’m proud of that.”

    Throughout the address, Tinubu demonstrated a rare fusion of emotional intelligence and executive urgency. He commended the armed forces, acknowledged their sacrifice, but did not spare the security establishment from scrutiny. “Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made?” he queried, demanding immediate and proactive response from the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and intelligence chiefs. The message was clear: this government will not tolerate impunity.

    Yet, President Tinubu did not come to Benue with only words of rebuke or solemnity. He came with tangible plans. Central to his proposition was the establishment of a peace and development committee comprising former leaders of the state, traditional rulers, and representatives of non-indigenous communities. He called for the inclusion of eminent figures such as former Governors and acknowledged the presence of the Minister of Livestock, asking Governor Alia pointedly: “Give me land. I need land here to establish a ranch. I will share the profits.”

    This was not a passing political gesture; it was an open invitation for structural reform, a practical step toward solving the root cause of the conflict, which the Tor Tiv had earlier identified as land-related tensions. Tinubu’s response was both economic and visionary: “If we learn how to share and how to accommodate, we have enough land to feed, to raise our children, to cultivate happiness and prosperity.”

    Throughout the town hall, the President emphasized unity, tolerance, and the indivisibility of the Nigerian family. He revisited the national anthem—not for nostalgia, but for guidance. “Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” he reminded the audience. “It must reflect in everything we do—in our character, in the economy, in sharing, in developing our people.”

    The most resonant aspect of his speech was perhaps the moral challenge he issued not only to the governor but to every stakeholder in Benue: that true leadership requires embracing all, friend or foe. “Not everybody will like you in politics,” he said. “They hate me like hell too. Well, I’m here, I am the President, and under democratic regime, I made a promise—I’ve even protected my abusers and accusers with the principle of democracy, freedom and prosperity.”

    With this, Tinubu redefined the tragedy in Yelewata not just as a security or ethnic crisis, but as a leadership test. The underlying message: the ability to transform sorrow into solutions is the true measure of statecraft.

    He did not shy away from pressing traditional rulers either. In fact, he urged them to be part of the proposed peace initiative. “We will meet in Abuja to really fashion out the nucleus of a lasting peace and I’m ready to invest in that peace. I want the traditional rulers—the Tor Tiv, the Och’Idoma, and others—to be included in this peace committee.”

    This was President Tinubu at his most impactful—wearing not just the cap of the Commander-in-Chief, but the robe of a reconciler-in-chief. His empathy was not performative. His detour to Makurdi was more than condolence—it was a strategic redirection of the state’s energies and, by extension, of the nation’s conscience.

    What must not be lost on Nigerians is how quickly and intentionally the President responded. In an era where political optics often take precedence over human impact, Tinubu’s pivot from a planned celebration in Kaduna to a mournful intervention in Benue was a reminder of what responsive governance looks like.

    In closing, his message was a powerful reassurance: “We will convert this tragedy to prosperity again and again.” Those are not just words; they are a promise, a challenge, and a new beginning for Benue.

    For a people long battered by cycles of violence and failed promises, it is perhaps too early to say if this visit will mark a turning point. But one thing is clear: in choosing to be physically present, to mourn with the bereaved, to confront security chiefs, and to propose viable solutions, President Bola Tinubu did not merely lead with authority—he led with the heart. In that moment, for the people of Yelewata, Makurdi, and beyond, that meant everything.

    Steady Hand Amidst Shadows

    While the tragic massacre in Yelewata cast a dark pall over national consciousness, President Tinubu pressed forward with a schedule that reasserted his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s democratic evolution and developmental agenda.

    Amidst the sorrow, Tuesday brought a symbolic and strategic moment in Abuja as President Tinubu flagged off the construction of a new national headquarters for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The edifice, still on paper and soil, already speaks volumes about his administration’s intent to institutionalize democracy not just through rhetoric, but infrastructure.

    “This democracy is not a destination but a journey,” the President told the dignitaries, technocrats, and political stakeholders in attendance. And in that sentence lies the core of Tinubu’s leadership philosophy—a forward momentum anchored in building, both literally and institutionally. He was clear: the INEC headquarters is not just bricks and mortar, but “about the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institutions, and the future of our electoral integrity.”

    In one of his more resonant remarks at the ceremony, Tinubu charged contractors and engineers to not merely construct a building but “build trust in our nation.” Such is the President’s view of statecraft—every gesture, every policy, and every project must restore confidence and anchor hope.

    Thursday saw the President in Kaduna State, a visit that was previously postponed due to his emergency trip to Benue. His return to Kaduna was not just a political formality—it was a testimony to continuity and commitment. And it turned out to be a showcase of progress.

    He commissioned a slew of projects under Governor Uba Sani’s administration, from a 300-bed specialist hospital to a fleet of 100 CNG buses, new roads, and a vocational institute. Each project symbolized what the President would later articulate as the future of Nigerian governance: youth empowerment, peace, and sub-national development.

    “Skills development… is an example the sub-nationals should follow,” Tinubu said, noting that his administration would soon unveil a national agenda on youth skills and food sovereignty. He did not just laud Kaduna’s achievements—he positioned them as a benchmark, a direction for other states to emulate.

    But perhaps the most poignant moment came when he reflected on Kaduna’s transformation from a hotspot of insecurity to a beacon of peace. Recalling how military-grade protection was required to visit Birnin-Gwari during his campaign days, Tinubu shared with visible relief that “you can now move around without fear.”

    And with that, the week ended where it began—with solemnity, but also with steps taken toward nation-building. From honouring Nigeria’s fathers and elder statesmen like General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), to recognising reformers like Taiwo Oyedele, to correcting historical oversights by awarding national honours to figures like Col. Dangiwa Umar, President Tinubu maintained a deliberate rhythm: affirming Nigeria’s democratic character, strengthening its institutions, and building the peace and prosperity that Nigerians so deeply deserve.

    For President Tinubu, it seems, leadership is not the absence of adversity—it is the courage to build even in its midst.

  • Inclusive democracy and the metaphor in pardon for Ogoni Nine

    Inclusive democracy and the metaphor in pardon for Ogoni Nine

    In a week shaped by reflection, celebration, and landmark decisions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s maiden State of the Nation address on Democracy Day 2025 will be remembered not just for its innovation in form, but more so for its courage in substance. In one sweeping moment of presidential clarity and moral restitution, Tinubu granted a long-awaited presidential pardon to the Ogoni Nine — a group of environmental justice activists executed in 1995 — and conferred national honours on them, effectively rewriting a painful chapter of Nigeria’s history with compassion and bold leadership.

    Delivered before a joint session of the National Assembly, the address — a first of its kind — marked a significant departure from the customary early morning broadcast Nigerians have grown used to on June 12. Drawing on the traditions of American democracy, Tinubu instead chose to face lawmakers directly, with a live broadcast that conveyed not just the President’s agenda, but his tone, his emotion, and his message of unity in clear and undiluted terms.

    But the speech’s highlight, the “icing on the cake,” as many have since called it, was the full pardon granted posthumously to Ken Saro-Wiwa and his eight colleagues — Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine. For the Ogoni people, the Niger Delta and indeed for Nigeria, it was more than a symbolic gesture; it was the long-delayed recognition of an injustice endured, a legacy restored, and an unmistakable step towards national reconciliation.

    The Ogoni Nine were executed on November 10, 1995, by the military junta of General Sani Abacha, following a controversial tribunal that convicted them of involvement in the murder of four Ogoni chiefs. That trial and its outcome were universally condemned — from global statesmen like Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton to institutions such as the United Nations — all of whom called for clemency and due process.

    Ken Saro-Wiwa, the most prominent of the nine, had become the face of Nigeria’s grassroots environmental struggle. His leadership of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) brought global attention to the devastation wrought on Ogoniland by oil exploration and corporate neglect. Their execution was not merely a miscarriage of justice, but a scar on Nigeria’s conscience — a chilling reminder of the price of activism under tyranny.

    President Tinubu’s pardon does not erase the past. But it does bring overdue moral clarity. In conferring national honours — a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) for Saro-Wiwa and Officers of the Order of the Niger (OON) for the others — Tinubu elevated them from condemned men to national heroes. It was, in his own words, “an exercise of the prerogative of mercy,” but even more than that, it was a statement of the values his administration seeks to uphold: inclusivity, justice, and historical redress.

    In granting this pardon on Democracy Day — the very day set aside to honour the pro-democracy martyrs of the 1990s, symbols of which late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and his assassinated wife, Kudirat Abiola, were — Tinubu was deliberate. He was connecting the Ogoni cause to the broader Nigerian struggle for justice, equity, and democratic accountability.

    It was not lost on many that Ogoni leaders have, for decades, approached successive administrations with appeals for this very moment. But Tinubu, who himself bears scars from that era of dictatorship and led from the frontlines in the 1990s resistance, chose not just to listen but to act. His pardon and honours conferment were more than executive acts — they were reconciliatory moves signalling that no part of the country, no matter how geographically small or politically marginalised, is forgotten in his vision of a united Nigeria.

    That vision was further reinforced when the President made it clear during the same address that there is no intention under his leadership to transform Nigeria into a one-party state. In recent weeks, the ruling APC has welcomed a wave of defections from other parties, prompting unease from opposition quarters. But Tinubu’s words were unequivocal: “At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria.”

    It was a sharp but necessary rebuke, one drawn from personal experience. Tinubu reminded the nation that in 2003, he was the lone progressive governor standing in the South-West, refusing to be swallowed by the then-dominant PDP machine. That commitment to political plurality, he assured Nigerians, remains unchanged.

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    President Tinubu’s speech was not only backward-looking. It was also rich in policy direction and national optimism. He announced the expansion of consumer credit to 400,000 youths and NYSC members through CREDICORP, aiming to empower young Nigerians economically. He celebrated record GDP growth — 4.6% in the last quarter of 2024 — and a gradually stabilising macroeconomic environment. He spoke of food sovereignty, industrial transformation, and the digital revolution powered by fibre optic infrastructure now rolling out across the country.

    But these gains, he noted, mean little without justice, without healing, and without embracing the pain points of the past — such as the one carried by the Ogoni people for 29 years.

    That is why the Ogoni Nine pardon and honouring was so powerful. It captured the spirit of June 12 — the spirit of democracy that fights to be inclusive, that acknowledges mistakes, and that dares to do right even when it takes decades.

    Of course, some critics may say the gesture was political — timed for maximal impact, or designed to court sympathy from the South-South. But that argument ignores both context and intent. For years, the Ogoni cause has been a thorn in the side of every administration. Symbolic promises were made, but no president — not Obasanjo, not Yar’Adua, not Jonathan, not Buhari — had taken the decisive step of issuing a full pardon and backing it with national honours.

    Although in 2001 the then President Obasanjo, during a speech in Ogoniland, announced an intention to grant a presidential pardon. It never materialised. Also in 2021, former President Buhari suggested a possible posthumous state pardon during a meeting with Ogoni leaders at the State House and described the executions as unfortunate. The administration failed to issue the pardon. 

    Tinubu did. And he did so in a forum where all political persuasions were present, under the klieg lights of national television, not in a closed-door ceremony. That matters. That transparency is part of the message.

    By tying this unprecedented gesture to June 12, President Tinubu reaffirmed the essence of the date. Democracy is not just a milestone to be celebrated annually. It is a responsibility to be shouldered daily. It means recognising that justice delayed is not justice denied — but justice must come eventually. It means redressing wrongs, not to open old wounds, but to heal them.

    And for the Ogoni people — for whom November 10 has always been a day of mourning — this year’s June 12 became a day of recognition. A day when their sons were no longer remembered as criminals, but as citizens whose love for their land and rights led them to martyrdom.

    From Forgiveness in Lagos to Infrastructural Revival in Abuja

    Although the President’s riveting Democracy Day address inevitably dominated national discourse in the past week, the build-up to June 12 itself was packed with telling moments of leadership, reconciliation, and renewed infrastructural ambition. From emotional reconciliations in Lagos to headline-worthy project commissioning in the nation’s capital, President Tinubu’s activities this week once again reinforced his capacity to blend political symbolism with tangible governance.

    It began on a poignant note in Lagos on Sunday, where the President, still observing his Eid-el-Kabir retreat, welcomed key political stakeholders, including members of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC). At the heart of their mission was a plea for reconciliation—particularly on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. According to reports, the GAC Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, acknowledged the President’s perceived displeasure and openly begged for forgiveness.

    In a gesture underscoring Tinubu’s often understated political magnanimity, the President replied: “It’s all over now. All is forgiven.” The moment prompted visible relief, with Sanwo-Olu and others prostrating in gratitude—an emblematic conclusion to weeks of speculation about a rift. It was a symbolic closure in Lagos, where Tinubu’s political journey began and where his political family remains strongest.

    By Tuesday afternoon, the President was back in Abuja, swiftly transitioning from statesman to reformer-in-chief. Stepping off the Presidential jet, he made a direct stop at the refurbished International Conference Centre (ICC)—now renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre—for its formal reopening.

    Speaking at the event, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to infrastructure as a bedrock of national renewal. “Modern infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy,” he stated, affirming his administration’s readiness to transform sectors including transportation, health, education, and urban development.

    Commending the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his transformational leadership, Tinubu added a political undertone to his commendation: “Don’t pay attention to the busybodies… continue with your good work.” The endorsement, as it turned out, would not end there.

    The following day, at the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16 in Abuja’s Katampe District, Tinubu once again lavished praise on Wike. In a politically charged moment, the President teased: “He’s not a member of my party—not yet. But the day he changes his mind… we will enjoy him in singing, ‘as e dey pain them, e dey sweet us.’”

    While clearly tongue-in-cheek, the comment reflects a strategic openness to Wike—a PDP strongman—joining the APC formally, a prospect that could further reshape political alignments ahead of 2027.

    Away from politics, Tinubu also found time to mourn and honour national figures. He expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former federal permanent secretary, Fidelis Kaigama, lauding him as “a distinguished public servant.”

    On Friday, he saluted media icon Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, the 90-year-old founder of Vanguard Newspapers. Calling him “a doyen of journalism” and “an elder statesman,” Tinubu’s tribute reflected his enduring regard for those who shaped Nigeria’s media and democratic history.

    In the whirlwind of the week’s activities — from the Democracy Day lecture, to the extensive list of honourees that included Kudirat Abiola, Wole Soyinka, and Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu — what stood out most was the President’s ability to transcend the ceremonial. With the Ogoni Nine pardon, Tinubu did not just make a speech. He made a statement. He did not just celebrate democracy. He deepened it.

    It was a reminder that leadership is not only about pushing policies or managing the economy. It is also about leading the national soul — helping a country remember, reconcile, and rise above its wounds.

    President Tinubu’s first State of the Nation address has set a new bar — not only in how leaders speak to the nation, but in how they act in moments of historic gravity. It was a week not just of activities, but of purpose. And in the words he chose and the gestures he made, Tinubu reaffirmed that democracy — our democracy — is still alive, still evolving, and still capable of doing the right thing.

  • The road to inclusivity and the call to owning Nigeria

    The road to inclusivity and the call to owning Nigeria

    The just-concluded week offered another poignant window into the style, substance, and symbolism that define President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. While the week began with a relatively quiet spell — as the President spent time in Lagos in the lead-up to the Eid-el-Kabir festivities — its close was anything but muted. From his robust defence and detailed exposition of one of his administration’s boldest infrastructure undertakings — the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway — to his deeply human call for prayers for the Nigerian Armed Forces during the Eid celebrations, Tinubu once again demonstrated a governing philosophy grounded in national inclusion and patriotic consciousness.

    These twin moments — the infrastructure explanation and the Eid message — may appear disjointed at first glance. But they are united by a common theme: the burden of leadership borne with a vision for unity, and a deliberate effort to enlist every Nigerian as a stakeholder in the nation’s development journey.

    At the heart of Tinubu’s public remarks during the commissioning of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road was a forceful defence of his legacy projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, a legacy infrastructure project that has, until now, flown under the radar compared to its more publicised cousin, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

    With calm but firm articulation, President Tinubu dismantled the narratives spun by critics who had either misunderstood the scale and structure of these mega projects or, more cynically, chose to sow confusion for political gain. “Let them pay a toll if they think the road is too expensive,” he said, with a touch of humour that thinly veiled a deeper truth — nation-building cannot be done on the cheap, and progress must not be stalled by misinformation.

    But beyond defending procurement frameworks and construction logistics, Tinubu used the opportunity to offer a compelling picture of the Sokoto-Badagry corridor — one that radiates economic potential, social inclusion, and national integration. Spanning seven states across Nigeria’s northwestern and southwestern flanks, the 1,068-kilometre six-lane superhighway is more than an asphalt ribbon connecting Sokoto to Badagry. It is a deliberate act of geographical justice — linking farmlands to ports, rural outposts to urban centres, and forgotten communities to federal infrastructure.

    This is not merely a road; it is a declaration that no part of Nigeria will be left behind. Tinubu noted that over 10 kilometres of the project’s Kebbi stretch have already been completed, and similar milestones are being achieved in Sokoto. The phased structure of the work — each section awarded with clear procurement transparency — reflects a leadership style that prioritizes both vision and accountability.

    And what a vision it is: a highway that connects over 58 dams, energizes commercial agriculture, integrates trade with West African neighbours, and even harnesses potential for renewable wind energy. These aren’t pipe dreams — they are blueprints actively being realised. By reviving a project first conceived under the Shehu Shagari administration nearly 50 years ago, Tinubu is demonstrating that legacy is not just about initiating new ideas, but also about fulfilling deferred dreams with modern urgency.

    As the President turned from the bricks and mortar of road-building to the spiritual reflections of Eid-el-Kabir, another layer of his leadership came to the fore. On Friday, during his Sallah message and again after prayers at Dodan Barracks in Ikoyi, Lagos, Tinubu did what few political leaders consistently manage — he centered the nation’s attention not on himself, but on those who stand daily in harm’s way to protect the country.

    His call for prayers for the armed forces was more than ceremonial; it was deeply empathetic. He reminded Nigerians that while many of us were celebrating with family and enjoying the comfort of our homes, there are men and women in uniform — some nameless, many young — braving terrorist enclaves and bandit-infested zones so that others may sleep safely. “We must pray for them specifically,” he said. “They are making sacrifices in the challenges that we face today.”

    This statement, simple as it was, revealed a profound understanding of leadership as stewardship. In echoing the idea that national security is not the responsibility of soldiers alone but a shared civic obligation, Tinubu subtly reframed prayer as a form of democratic participation. If Nigerians can be urged to pray for the country’s protectors, they are being asked — quietly but firmly — to take emotional ownership of the country’s peace, security, and unity.

    It is a strategic form of nationalism, couched in the moral grammar of faith. And it works. The call to prayer is not just religious; it is psychological — anchoring every Nigerian to the idea that our collective wellbeing is interconnected, and that our differences must not dilute our shared destiny.

    Both the infrastructural advocacy and the spiritual exhortation reflect what is increasingly becoming the signature of President Tinubu’s administration: intentional inclusion. He is building with vision and governing with empathy.

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    Critics who try to paint his administration as favouring certain regions were firmly rebuffed in his remarks. “We are not nepotic,” the President emphasized. “We are inclusive.” It was not just rhetoric — it was backed with geographical data, progress reports, and state-by-state milestones. The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway is not in the South; it is not in the North; it is across Nigeria. Its benefits will be harvested by truck drivers and traders, farmers and exporters, mothers and students — from Illela in Sokoto to Badagry in Lagos.

    This sense of shared benefit is critical in a country where regional marginalisation — real or perceived — has often been the root of resentment. Tinubu’s administration appears aware of this history and is attempting to write a new one — one kilometre at a time.

    Similarly, his Sallah message was devoid of ethnic or religious lines. He spoke as Commander-in-Chief, but also as a father of the nation. His call for compassion toward the vulnerable, for unity among citizens, and for remembrance of sacrifice, was the voice of a leader who sees Nigeria not as a battleground of factions but as a family of faiths and hopes.

    President Tinubu’s week may have started quietly in Lagos, but it crescendoed with clarity, purpose, and humanity. He defended the integrity of his legacy projects with data and transparency. He cast infrastructure not just as a physical endeavour but as a moral duty to connect people. And in urging prayers for the armed forces, he pulled every Nigerian into the sacred enterprise of nation-building.

    Infrastructure alone does not make a great nation. But when it is backed by inclusion, transparency, and a leader who calls not just for contracts but for prayers — then you begin to see the architecture of something truly lasting.

    A Week of Diplomacy, Recognition, and Reunion in Lagos

    Besides the very significant events of Thursday and Friday was the flurry of activity on Tuesday. The most remarkable of the Tuesday engagements was the conferment of one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), on American billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates. The brief but high-profile ceremony took place at the President’s private Ikoyi residence, underscoring both the personal importance of the event and the diplomatic message behind it.

    In Tinubu’s words, the recognition was not merely ceremonial. It was rooted in decades of Gates’ contributions to public health, education, digital innovation, and agricultural development in Nigeria and across Africa. “Bill Gates’ contributions have saved millions through the Gates Foundation and many such initiatives, uplifted communities, and inspired global action,” Tinubu wrote via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

    The honour symbolised a deepening of ties between Nigeria and philanthropic international networks, but it also spoke volumes about Tinubu’s vision: a Nigeria that is open for partnership, innovation, and global cooperation. In a world increasingly shaped by digital and biotech revolutions, honouring a figure like Gates is a signal of where Nigeria wants to position itself.

    Yet, as powerful as that moment was, it was not the only political theatre staged at the President’s Ikoyi residence that Tuesday.

    In a move that caught many by surprise, Tinubu also hosted the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, his elder brother and respected industrialist Chief Adedeji Adeleke, and the globally celebrated Afrobeats star David Adeleke, better known as Davido. The optics were rich in political symbolism and cultural unity.

    Governor Adeleke, a PDP governor, has often been seen as occupying a different political space from Tinubu. Yet, in Lagos, they shared smiles, handshakes, and conversation, signaling the President’s ongoing efforts at national reconciliation and inclusive governance. In Chief Adeleke, Tinubu acknowledged the role of private enterprise in Nigeria’s development. And with Davido, he recognized the role of culture and soft power — a sector in which Nigeria now stands as an undisputed global leader.

    That same Tuesday, Tinubu also met with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, a man currently suspended amid a state of emergency in the oil-rich region. Although the details of the conversation remain undisclosed, the timing of the meeting — held amidst a charged political atmosphere in Rivers — suggested behind-the-scenes efforts to restore calm and constitutional order.

    Earlier in the week, on Monday, the President had offered warm congratulations to Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC Limited, who turned 60. Tinubu described Ojulari as an “accomplished energy professional” whose leadership is vital to Nigeria’s economic growth and energy security. This tribute was more than personal; it was a quiet reaffirmation of Tinubu’s focus on stabilizing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Midweek, the President celebrated another icon, Chief Oyin Jolayemi, a distinguished industrialist who clocked 85. In his message, Tinubu lauded Jolayemi’s “grass-to-grace” journey, calling his life a reflection of resilience and hard work. On the same day, he welcomed Pastor Tunde Bakare, who came bearing what was described as a “message of national vision.” Such meetings, steeped in thought leadership and spiritual foresight, point to Tinubu’s ongoing attempt to harmonize moral authority with political leadership.

    By Thursday, the mood turned reflective. The President mourned the passing of Professor Jibril Aminu, a former Minister of Education and one of Nigeria’s most respected elder statesmen. He paid tribute to Aminu’s “erudition and brilliance,” describing his career as one that brought intellectual gravitas to the corridors of power.

    And on Friday, the President extended his condolences on the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Lawal Uwais, calling him a “phenomenal jurist and statesman.” Tinubu praised the late Justice for serving the nation with “honour, courage, and exceptional integrity.”

    The week, in sum, was a blend of solemnity, celebration, diplomacy, and subtle political signaling. From his use of infrastructure to unite further to his aim at strengthening security, the global recognition of Gates to the local optics of hosting governors and artistes, and from honouring the departed, President Tinubu once again demonstrated the art of governing by gesture — where every meeting, every message, and every handshake carries a layered meaning. In Lagos, last week, it was diplomacy with a distinctly Nigerian touch.

  • Renewed Hope @ Year 2: Tinubu Still Bringing Water Out of The Hard Rock

    Renewed Hope @ Year 2: Tinubu Still Bringing Water Out of The Hard Rock

    Two years into his presidency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begun to etch a recurring pattern into Nigerian political history—one that seems to surface each time he stands on the cusp of major national transformation. Like a consistent drumbeat preceding the march of progress, resistance, coordinated opposition, and elite sabotage converge just as he pushes forward with policies that seek to change the fundamentals of governance, economics, and public accountability in Nigeria. But if the story of his presidency so far is any indication, this pattern isn’t a sign of regression. Rather, it is the birth pangs of progress—a signal that Nigeria might finally be breaking its old cycles.

    When Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, Nigeria was teetering on the edge of a fiscal cliff. Years of populist but unsustainable economic policies had created an illusion of normalcy, powered by a petrol subsidy that cost over a trillion naira annually and a foreign exchange regime that rewarded arbitrage over productivity. Most new presidents might have delayed tough decisions until after securing a second term. Tinubu did the opposite. On day one, he axed the petrol subsidy. Weeks later, he unified the naira’s exchange rate system, allowing market forces to prevail. These were not just administrative tweaks. They were systemic corrections—actions that required audacity and clarity of purpose.

    This wasn’t the first time Tinubu had chosen the difficult path. During his tenure as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, Tinubu clashed with the then-federal government under President Olusegun Obasanjo over constitutional questions and fiscal autonomy. His administration’s creation of new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) was blocked by Abuja, and Lagos was punished with the withholding of statutory allocations. But rather than buckle, Tinubu re-engineered Lagos’ internal revenue generation, built lasting institutions, and set the state on the path to becoming West Africa’s economic nerve center. That story, once doubted and derided, is now widely celebrated.

    History, it seems, is rhyming once again.

    From his first week in office, Tinubu became a target of opposition maneuvering. The political chorus that includes familiar voices—former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Peter Obi—coalesced early in what is clearly a premature coalition against his presidency. Their tactics have been textbook: ethno-regional baiting, scaremongering, and relentless attacks designed to derail public confidence. In times past, such orchestrated hostility has succeeded in distracting presidents and stalling reforms. But Tinubu, calm and unyielding, appears to be unmoved.

    This unshaken demeanor is not born of political naiveté; it is a product of experience and strategic patience. Rather than spar with his critics, he has stayed focused on the work of governance, ensuring his administration hits milestone after milestone. And there have been many. Like they say, he who has an appointment does not wait to argue over nothing with someone who has nothing to lose.

    His reforms, painful as they are, have begun to yield concrete results. Nigeria’s foreign reserves have rebounded dramatically, jumping from $4 billion in 2023 to over $23 billion in 2024. The fiscal deficit has narrowed, the country’s debt service-to-revenue ratio has improved from nearly 100% to below 40%, and inflation—though still a pressing concern—is beginning to ease. Oil rig counts have surged by over 400%, and the economy is projected to grow by 3.7% in 2025, a rate not seen in nearly a decade.

    The administration has also settled a massive N30 trillion Ways and Means loan from the Central Bank, a move that signals a commitment to monetary discipline. With over $8 billion in fresh oil investments and a reenergized drive for tax reforms—raising the tax-to-GDP ratio from 10% to 13.5% in a single year—Nigeria is reclaiming credibility in the eyes of investors. Essential goods like food, education, and healthcare are now exempt from VAT, and low-income households are being buffered through new credit lines, student loans, and expanded nano-business grants.

    The presidency has not ignored the social and human angles either. Over 1,000 primary health centers have been revitalized, with more than 5,500 undergoing transformation. Free dialysis, subsidized maternal care, and a jump in health insurance coverage are now defining features of Tinubu’s health sector strategy. In education, the approval of N95.6 billion in student loans is helping indigent students stay in school, while nationwide programs are skilling up youth for the digital economy.

    This is not a portrait of a passive or distracted government. It is one of deliberate action, even under intense political fire.

    Yet, the more he delivers, the louder the opposition chorus becomes. It almost seems paradoxical. But if we return to the Lagos template, the same paradox was present then. Tinubu’s reforms were radical and transformative—but at every juncture, they invited resistance from entrenched interests. Today, those very reforms form the backbone of modern Lagos.

    In many ways, what Tinubu is doing nationally is Lagos 2.0—but at a far more complex scale. He is dismantling patronage networks, eliminating leakages, and pushing forward with decentralization in critical sectors like power. The Electricity Act of 2023, which allows subnational entities to generate and distribute power, is a game-changer that mirrors the autonomy Lagos once fought for.

    The regional development commissions now established across all six geopolitical zones are reshaping the national development framework. Infrastructure projects are springing up in every zone, from the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway. Meanwhile, over N570 billion in subnational support has gone directly to the states to fund livelihood programs and stimulate local economies.

    Tinubu’s critics often underestimate how methodical his governance model is. The President is not reacting; he is engineering. He is laying down systems that are built to last—often quietly, often without fanfare. Whether it’s the introduction of a Tax Ombudsman to ensure equity in the new fiscal regime or the pivot to compressed natural gas (CNG) to reduce import dependency, there is a long-game strategy in motion.

    So why does he face so much resistance?

    The answer may lie in what Financial Times recently called Nigeria’s “shock therapy.” No one likes surgery—especially without anaesthetic. Tinubu’s reforms, though necessary, have forced elites to give up privileges, and they’ve shaken the status quo. The subsidy regime, the forex manipulation, the excessive central bank lending—these were not just policy errors; they were profit centers for well-connected actors. Dismantling them creates enemies.

    But the President appears to understand the moment. He knows that political backlash is not a referendum on reform but a symptom of it. He knows that Nigeria cannot become a prosperous, functioning state without first becoming an honest one. And he is willing to pay the political price to get there.

    That, ultimately, is the recurring pattern. Tinubu leads with reforms, the system fights back, but history vindicates him.

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    The opposition may mass and the voices may grow louder. But if the Lagos story is any guide, then Nigeria may be witnessing the difficult, painful, but necessary path toward renewal. Tinubu is not merely navigating Nigeria’s current challenges—he is positioning the country for future prosperity. And as he enters the third year of his presidency, the signs are increasingly clear: water may indeed be coming out of this hard rock again.

    Tinubu is at it again. And history, once more, is watching.

    A Week of Reflection and Regional Leadership at Midterm

    The just-concluded week was not only momentous for President Tinubu but also for the Nigerian people, it was a natural moment for pause, reflection, and assessment for all. As Nigerians reviewed two years of the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu remained characteristically immersed in governance, diplomacy, reform, and symbolism.

    If the past two years have been defined by bold decisions and structural realignments, then the President’s activities this week embodied both the spirit of review and the resolve to press forward. From the Presidential Villa in Abuja to the glittering halls of Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, the President demonstrated continuity in leadership, clarity of vision, and unwavering focus on both domestic and continental obligations.

    Governance at Home

    The President began his week with critical administrative engagements, notably a closed-door meeting some governors, Ministers and some heads of agencies, among whom was the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji. It came amidst a controversy involving the Federal Capital Territory Authority’s sealing of a FIRS office over alleged unpaid ground rent. On Tuesday, President Tinubu stepped into the political arena with the presentation of the APC governorship flag to Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the party’s candidate for the Anambra 2025 election.

    Children’s Day provided a moment of solemn national reflection. Tinubu’s launch of the “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign demonstrated his administration’s deepening focus on social protection systems. With all 36 states now domesticating the Child Rights Act, Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is making inroads into building a more secure and inclusive society. “Stand Up, Speak Up” wasn’t just the theme of this year’s celebration—it was the ethos of a government that wants children to thrive free from fear and violence.

    The President’s Tuesday also saw a string of goodwill messages—congratulating political elders and corporate trailblazers alike. From Hajia Raliat AbdulRazaq at 95 to oil industry leader Mutiu Sunmonu at 70, Tinubu’s tributes often doubled as reminders of Nigeria’s broad legacy of service and excellence.

    But it was in Lagos on Wednesday that President Tinubu seized the continental stage with grace and gravitas. As Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, he graced the golden jubilee celebration of the Economic Community of West African States—ECOWAS@50.

    His keynote address was more than ceremonial. It was a sweeping reaffirmation of the bloc’s founding ideals and a call to renew them. “Our region has pioneered free movement, expanded intra-regional trade, and deepened integration,” Tinubu declared. “Let us renew our compact—with courage, clarity, and conviction.”

    The President’s speech was rich with policy substance. He paid tribute to the legacy of founding leaders like Gen. Yakubu Gowon, celebrated ECOWAS’s achievements in peacekeeping, trade liberalisation, and democratic governance, and urged fellow leaders to place youth and women at the centre of future integration efforts.

    The ECOWAS gathering wasn’t just about history; it was a vision-setting moment. President Tinubu reminded the region that African unity isn’t merely a philosophical aspiration—it is a strategic imperative. With notable absentees like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, the President’s inclusive tone was deliberate: “Don’t push them away. They will come back,” echoed General Gowon—a sentiment Tinubu visibly embraced.

    The latter part of the week saw a flurry of activity aimed at deepening institutional reform. On Thursday, President Tinubu established the National Credit Guarantee Company with ₦100 billion in seed capital—another powerful signal that his administration is serious about unlocking credit access for MSMEs and industrial players.

    He also announced appointments to 36 new governing councils across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, following earlier appointments to key universities. These moves reinforce Tinubu’s intent to strengthen leadership across education, the foundation of any nation’s long-term prosperity.

    Crowning the week, the President signed an Executive Order to slash costs in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, promising tax incentives for efficient operators. The directive, coming at midterm, was no coincidence—it reflected a government ready to transition from foundation-building to consolidation.

    In a week steeped in symbolism and substance, President Tinubu did not simply mark time—he used the moment to deepen reforms, rally West Africa, and reaffirm his administration’s trajectory. As Nigeria steps into the second half of his first term, one thing is certain: the President is not looking back.

    And for a nation as dynamic as Nigeria, neither should we.

  • Wave of endorsements, defections, and statesmanship on global stage

    Wave of endorsements, defections, and statesmanship on global stage

    The past week has undoubtedly been one of the most affirming in the political trajectory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. What began as a stirring show of party loyalty within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) evolved into a symbolic demonstration of national unity and international statesmanship—one that carried President Tinubu from the halls of Abuja to the sacred altars of Vatican City.

    At home, his leadership received a powerful vote of confidence. The APC National Summit, convened under the banner of the Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far, became a platform for what can only be described as a political coronation. One after the other, every critical organ of government and the party—the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), the National Assembly leadership, and the National Working Committee (NWC)—stood in a unified chorus, affirming Tinubu as the sole candidate of the APC for the 2027 presidential election. It was not just a declaration of political support; it was a resounding endorsement of the President’s performance and his vision for Nigeria’s future.

    The APC National Summit was more than just a policy review. It was a moment of reckoning. On Thursday, inside the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja, Nigeria’s political elite stood still. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), the rallying structure of governors elected on the platform of the ruling APC, moved the motion that set the political tone: President Tinubu, he declared, should be adopted as the party’s flagbearer in 2027. The motion was not only seconded by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani but was also met with thunderous applause from attendees—evidence of an unshakable popularity and consensus.

    Governor Uzodimma spoke not merely as a peer, but as a party steward who has watched Tinubu’s reforms with a keen eye. “We are charged to market our federal government policies, to occupy the political space in our domains, and take responsibility for winning all elections in our states come 2027,” he said, encapsulating the APC’s evolving strategic posture—one in which all hands are on deck to deliver on the President’s promise.

    Then came the second wave—arguably even more consequential. The leadership of the National Assembly followed suit. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his voice charged with conviction, proposed Tinubu not only as the APC’s candidate but as the “sole candidate for the whole Nigerian population in 2027.” Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, representing the House of Representatives, seconded the motion on behalf of 469 federal legislators and 36 State Assembly speakers.

    Akpabio’s words rang with unusual clarity: “Not notice of impeachment… but a notice of confidence, a notice of loyalty, and a notice of reward.” He referenced the difficult decisions taken by the President—particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates—and hailed them as foundational to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth. According to him, Tinubu’s political sagacity had earned him a re-election by merit, not just sentiment.

    Finally, the clincher: Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the APC, stood to make the declaration official. “As the Chairman of the party and as the only recognized platform to field a candidate in any election, I hereby affirm the endorsement of the President,” he said. The room, once again, erupted in cheers.

    What makes these endorsements even more significant is the timing. President Tinubu is barely two years into his first term. In the political calendar, this is traditionally a period of caution, quiet lobbying, and strategy meetings behind closed doors. But Tinubu has rewritten the script. The party machinery has been galvanized to action. From Delta to Rivers, from Akwa Ibom to Kano, defections from opposition parties—particularly the once-dominant PDP—are not only increasing, they are becoming symbolic victories in regions that historically resisted APC’s growth.

    Delta State, a long-time PDP fortress, has experienced a dramatic political shift. In recent weeks, nearly all the key political players that once sustained the PDP’s relevance in the state have decamped to the APC. These are not mere political opportunists—they are power brokers and grassroots mobilizers who understand which way the wind is blowing. And now, that wind is clearly moving in Tinubu’s favour.

    Similarly, Akwa Ibom and Rivers—states with deep opposition roots—are showing signals of realignment. The gale of defections is no longer a trickle but a stream with growing momentum. As these developments unfold, regional blocs have also begun to adopt Tinubu as their preferred candidate for 2027. North-Central made the first move. Northwest followed. And now, with the APC summit sealing the party’s formal endorsement, the coast appears clearer than ever.

    In his address at the Summit, Tinubu returned the favour with clarity, humility, and a renewed commitment. “The endorsement today, the ‘carry-go’ inspiration; I know road,” he declared in his characteristically direct style. His speech was part gratitude, part vision statement, and part rallying cry.

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    He acknowledged the harsh reforms he had undertaken—especially those that struck a nerve with vested interests—but emphasized their necessity. “You don’t commit abortion after the baby is born. That’s murder,” he said metaphorically, defending his immediate removal of the fuel subsidy. Tinubu framed his economic interventions not as cruel measures but as corrective actions long overdue.

    On corruption, he was resolute. Citing the EFCC’s recovery of 750 properties from a single individual, he promised no sacred cows. He also urged the National Assembly to pass key tax reform bills, which he described as vital to plugging loopholes and redirecting resources to healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

    And on a more personal note, Tinubu used the occasion to dispel rumours about a rift with Vice President Kashim Shettima. “We’re a tag-team,” he said, offering a symbolic olive branch to those speculating about political friction within the presidency.

    While the events in Abuja underscored his domestic strength, President Tinubu’s trip to Vatican City showcased his growing influence on the global stage. On Sunday last week, he joined world leaders and religious dignitaries at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. For a Muslim leader to attend the installation Mass of a Catholic Pope—and do so with grace, reverence, and charm—spoke volumes about Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith harmony and the President’s own political maturity.

    Tinubu didn’t just show up; he made a statement. Exchanging pleasantries with the Pope, sharing a symbolic handshake, and meeting Nigerian bishops in Rome, he presented a portrait of a Nigeria at peace with its religious diversity. “If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress,” he told the bishops.

    The encounter with one of his political rivals, Peter Obi, provided an unexpectedly warm moment. In a scene that quickly went viral back home, Obi—accompanied by former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi—greeted Tinubu with laughter and mutual respect. “Mr. President, welcome to our church,” Fayemi quipped. “I should be the one welcoming you,” Tinubu replied, drawing laughter from Obi. “I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.”

    This was no mere banter. It was an act of political symbolism—a glimpse of what civility could look like in Nigeria’s fractious politics. For a country yearning for unity and stability, such gestures matter.

    President Tinubu’s current standing—domestically endorsed, internationally respected—positions him as the man to beat in 2027. That his party is rallying behind him so early is a testament not only to his reforms but also to his ability to manage the complex layers of Nigeria’s political landscape.

    But perhaps more importantly, Tinubu is redefining what incumbency should look like: a mixture of bold policy, inclusive politics, and symbolic outreach. Whether meeting a Pope or shaking hands with a political rival, the President is walking a path that blends conviction with pragmatism.

    The winds of 2027 seem to be blowing squarely in his favour. The summit in Abuja may have given him the party’s blessing, but the symbolic scenes in Rome reminded the world that this is a leader thinking beyond borders, beyond factions—towards something larger: the renewal of hope.

    Reform, Recognition, and Renewed Commitment to National Excellence

    Meanwhile, during the past week, President Tinubu continued to demonstrate the full spectrum of his leadership—balancing the demands of governance with the dignity of recognition, the vision of reform with the grace of celebration. While much of the national spotlight remained fixed on his endorsement as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election and his diplomatic triumph at the Vatican, President Tinubu’s dedication to national development and celebration of Nigerians stood out in powerful ways.

    A defining moment came on Thursday with the inauguration of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). In a ceremony held in his office at the State House, President Tinubu charged the newly constituted board with a bold task: anchor the administration’s economic reform agenda and lead the transformation of Nigeria’s critical energy sector.

    His message was direct and empowering. “It took a while to come up with the kind of character that you represent,” he told the board members. “You have the reputation, resourcefulness, and experience to help the country. It is a call to duty.” He emphasized that the country’s economy—on the rebound thanks to his reform measures—needs a revitalized energy sector driven by innovation, competence, and home-grown solutions.

    “Explore all options for a win-win situation for Nigeria,” he urged, signalling a new era of expectation and accountability. In entrusting such an important portfolio to a board of tested professionals, Tinubu reinforced the seriousness of his administration’s agenda to reposition Nigeria for energy independence and global competitiveness.

    In tandem with his economic focus, the President continued a tradition that has come to define his leadership style—honouring Nigerians of merit across generations, disciplines, and borders. On Tuesday, he celebrated Prince Lawal Obelawo at 95, lauding the elder statesman’s contributions to industrial development and philanthropy as a symbol of enduring patriotism.

    On Wednesday, Tinubu turned his gaze overseas to the UK, where two British-Nigerians—Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson—made history as mayors. Bright, only 29, became the youngest-ever Civic Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, while Jackson emerged as the first Nigerian-born Mayor of Islington since 1900. In recognizing them, the President saluted the Nigerian spirit of excellence thriving abroad.

    Back home on Friday, the President’s voice rang with traditional respect and generational appreciation. He hailed the coronation of Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, calling on the new monarch to uphold unity and heritage. That same day, he celebrated Professor Modupe Adelabu, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, at 75, praising her as a beacon of academic excellence and a role model for women, and Senator Magnus Abe at 60, applauding his contributions to national unity and public service.

    It was a week that revealed President Tinubu not just as a reformer or statesman, but as a leader deeply attuned to the nation’s pulse—honouring tradition, celebrating achievement, and boldly steering Nigeria toward a better future.

    It is a new week, there is no saying what it might hold in store. I can bet though that Mr President will unveil new marvels that we can analyze together. Let’s for what the next will be.

  • Security as a development imperative

    Security as a development imperative

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not sleeping well. Not because the challenges of governing a complex nation like Nigeria are light, but because one issue has refused to relent—security. The increasing tempo of violence, particularly in Nigeria’s rural communities and forested regions, has emerged as a frontline concern. According to his Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, referring to the security burden “the President is concerned about what’s going on”—a statement that both reflects the gravity of the situation and the urgency with which the administration is responding.

    In a week dominated by national security deliberations, emergency meetings, international diplomacy, and new military acquisitions, President Tinubu’s message was clear: Nigeria must not be allowed to slip into the hands of criminals, bandits, or foreign-sponsored terror networks. The forests must be reclaimed. The borders must be secured. And above all, the people—especially those in neglected rural areas—must feel the presence and protection of their government.

    Perhaps the most headline-grabbing move this week came on Wednesday, when the President approved the immediate recruitment and deployment of armed forest guards. The unit, designed to operate within Nigeria’s vast and largely ungoverned forested areas—some 1,129 of them—is to serve as a permanent force within the country’s broader security architecture.

    These forests, long exploited by terrorist groups, bandits, and criminal gangs, have served as safe havens and launch-pads for attacks, especially in states like Borno, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina. From the notorious Sambisa Forest to Kamuku, Sububu, Dajin Rugu, and beyond, these stretches of land have become synonymous with lawlessness.

    The forest guards initiative, a joint effort between federal and state governments under the oversight of the National Security Adviser and Ministry of Environment, is both a security strategy and a socio-economic intervention. Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be recruited—trained, armed, and deployed not just to chase criminals, but to reclaim sovereign territory. It is a step the President described as essential to “ensure that no part of Nigeria is abandoned to lawlessness.”

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    But the initiative is more than a knee-jerk reaction. It aligns with President Tinubu’s broader understanding of the interplay between security, food production, and economic survival. With farmlands in the North-Central, North-East and even parts of the South under constant threat, insecurity is eating away at Nigeria’s ambition to achieve food self-sufficiency. Farmers have fled. Markets have collapsed. Communities are under siege. To fix the economy, the President knows, he must first fix security—especially in the hinterlands.

    Friday saw another symbolic but strategic move. Two new Agusta A-109S Trekker helicopters were inducted into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the ceremony, President Tinubu reiterated his determination to invest in “cutting-edge defence technologies” and equip the armed forces for both conventional and asymmetric warfare.

    The induction was part of activities marking the 61st anniversary of the NAF, but more importantly, it reflected a President who understands that visible power projection can restore confidence. The President made it clear that the military’s transformation is a priority in the Renewed Hope Agenda, not just to tackle bandits and terrorists, but to make Nigeria more attractive to local and foreign investment.

    The symbolism of the helicopters cannot be overstated. Air power is fast, intimidating, and often decisive in modern counterinsurgency operations. The acquisition of these and other platforms—like the T-129 ATAK helicopters and King Air surveillance planes—is a message to enemies of the state: Nigeria will not back down.

    Still, the crisis is not entirely homegrown. At the heart of Friday’s emergency security meeting was a sobering intelligence briefing: the jihadist push from the Sahel is intensifying. Terrorist and insurgent groups from neighboring states are flowing across Nigeria’s porous borders, exploiting weak points and forming alliances with local cells.

    General Musa, speaking after the meeting, did not mince words. “The pressure is what actually came into Nigeria because of the nature of our borders”, he said.

    It is a problem that has plagued the sub-region for over a decade. As countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and move further from ECOWAS and democratic norms, Nigeria is left with a delicate balancing act—one that President Tinubu is navigating with a mix of firmness and diplomacy.

    That diplomacy was on display Thursday when the President received six new ambassadors, including the Malian envoy, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly. Despite the shifting alliances, Tinubu emphasized unity, calling on West African nations to “strengthen bilateral relations” and insisting that “no nation can succeed alone.”

    The Malian envoy responded in kind, pledging continued cooperation and acknowledging Nigeria’s leadership in regional peacekeeping and counterterrorism. It was a soft moment in a hard week, but it underscored Tinubu’s twin strategy: secure the homeland, but never abandon the neighborhood.

    President Tinubu’s security recalibration is not solely about soldiers and helicopters. There is a growing realization within the Villa that insecurity is at the root of Nigeria’s most pressing problems—poverty, food scarcity, rural-urban migration, and even inflation.

    With farming communities under siege, markets dislocated, and transportation corridors disrupted, Nigeria’s food system is struggling. And no amount of subsidized fertilizer or irrigation projects will matter if farmers cannot safely till the soil.

    This is why the Tinubu administration’s renewed security drive must be seen through a developmental lens. By stabilizing the rural economy, the President hopes to spark a chain reaction: more food production, fewer imports, lower food prices, and improved livelihoods.

    It is also why he has instructed security agencies to work more closely with state governors, traditional leaders, and local councils. Security is no longer the exclusive domain of the armed forces—it is now a “whole-of-society” effort. Everyone, from local vigilantes to community leaders, must play their part.

    One point that came through strongly this week is that the President is not acting alone. The presence of top security and intelligence chiefs at the State House—NSA Nuhu Ribadu, DSS DG Oluwatosin Ajayi, all service chiefs, and even a DIG of Police, representing the civil force,—reflects a reinforced security culture in Abuja: collaborative, intelligence-driven, and proactive.

    The new strategy is not merely about boots on the ground; it is about clarity of mission, unity of command, and agility of response. From kinetic operations to psychological warfare and community engagement, Nigeria is adapting. And President Tinubu, despite the obvious weight of responsibility, is leading from the front.

    As the week closed, General Musa offered a reassurance that captured the mood inside the corridors of power: “We are going to continue to succeed. That, we assure all Nigerians.”

    For a nation weary of violence but still hopeful, these words matter. Yet they must be backed by continued action, transparency, and tangible outcomes. The Tinubu administration has made security the bedrock of its development plan. Now it must deliver—steadily, relentlessly, and with the discipline the President himself demanded at the helicopter induction.

    In the coming weeks, Nigerians will watch closely as the forest guards begin their work, as regional alliances are tested, and as the military expands its operational capacity. But more than anything, they will judge the President not just by the number of helicopters in the sky, but by whether their children can go to school, whether they can walk to the market, and whether the farm down the road will be safe to harvest again.

    The President may be losing sleep—but if his new measures hold, perhaps millions of Nigerians will finally sleep a little easier.

    Reform, Recognition, and Global Engagement

    Meanwhile, the President’s schedule in the just-concluded week was a study in balancing the demands of governance with a deep appreciation for national values, cultural pride, and diplomatic visibility.

    The week began with celebration and statesmanship on Sunday. Tinubu paid glowing tributes to Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the revered Afenifere leader, on his 99th birthday, describing him as “a rare Nigerian who served unblemished.” The President also felicitated Senator Mohammed Sani Musa at 60, applauding his work on fiscal reform and legislative excellence. Similarly, he celebrated longtime ally and businessman Chief Dipo Eludoyin, highlighting his loyalty and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    On Monday, the focus shifted to governance. Tinubu swore in two new INEC commissioners and two members of the Code of Conduct Bureau, strengthening democratic and ethical institutions. He then presided over a crucial Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting that approved several landmark initiatives. Among them was the launch of MediPool, a group purchasing platform aimed at lowering drug prices and improving access to essential medicines. The FEC also renewed the Group Life Assurance Scheme for federal workers, ensuring financial protection for public servants and their families.

    A particularly ambitious decision was the unveiling of a $100 billion cultural monetization plan. Coordinated by the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the initiative seeks to unlock Nigeria’s rich heritage and creative assets as a viable revenue stream. Additionally, FEC approved a revised National Employment Policy, the first in six years, which aims to address the evolving labour market and tackle unemployment and underemployment head-on.

    Infrastructure received a major boost as well, with N1.2 trillion allocated for roads, power, and aviation. Notably, N175 billion was approved for Section II of the East-West Road, and the power sector saw new bids and equipment approvals. In aviation, nearly N1 trillion was committed to navigation systems, airport command centers, and terminal upgrades. These moves underscore Tinubu’s commitment to economic revitalization through strategic capital investment.

    Tinubu also acknowledge prominent some Nigerians same Monday. He celebrated veteran journalist Lekan Sote at 70 for his five-decade media career, and on Tuesday, he congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke at 65, praising his national outlook. That same day, he honored Prince Bisi Olatilo, the broadcasting legend, for 50 years of professional excellence.

    On Wednesday, President Tinubu approved revised procurement thresholds for federal MDAs, aimed at reforming and streamlining public procurement processes.

    By Thursday, he was back to personal diplomacy, congratulating Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue on his birthday and meeting with BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu to reinforce public-private collaboration.

    Friday saw a cultural flourish as Tinubu received the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, reaffirming ties with Nigeria’s traditional institutions.

    On Saturday, Tinubu departed for Rome to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican—an invitation extended to only a select group of global leaders.

    Altogether, it was a week that showcased leadership in motion: blending reform, recognition, and international diplomacy.

    He is excepted back in the country early this week to continue the clinical steering of the state’s ship, aiming to arrive at the promised destination he has always envisioned for Nigeria, through the carefully planned Renewed Hope Agenda. May Nigeria prevail.

  • Tinubu’s charm, reforms and the quiet revolution in Nigeria’s politics

    Tinubu’s charm, reforms and the quiet revolution in Nigeria’s politics

    In the shifting sands of Nigerian politics, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is proving that substance and style, when blended astutely, can shape an enduring political movement. His week, perhaps more than any other in recent memory, exposed the depth of his political magnetism and the breadth of his economic reform impact. It was a week where the strength of policy met the power of personality — and the result was a cascade of high-profile defections, rare bipartisan goodwill, and a compelling assertion of national unity.

    The crowning jewel of the week was the news of Nigeria’s repayment of the $3.4 billion COVID-19 loan borrowed from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the previous administration. Not only was this symbolic of economic recovery and credibility, it was a vindication of Tinubu’s reform agenda, a powerful retort to critics who had long dismissed his policies as painful without payoff. With fiscal discipline at the centre of his strategy, the Tinubu administration has steadily implemented structural adjustments, from subsidy removals to foreign exchange unification, and the fruits are finally ripening.

    Even critics had to admit as much. Dr. Reuben Abati, a well-known media voice and Arise TV anchor, took a rare moment during The Morning Show on Friday to acknowledge the real-world impacts of Tinubu’s economic reengineering. He didn’t just talk about the federal level, he dug deep into states’ improved financial profiles, citing debt repayment progress across the board. For the first time in years, Nigerian states are experiencing fiscal breathing space, largely because the federal structure under Tinubu is deliberately empowering sub-national governments.

    It is this empowerment that is now causing political tremors nationwide. The opposition is haemorrhaging prominent figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and it’s not because of coercion or manipulation, as Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa made clear during his visit to the State House. It’s because President Tinubu’s brand of leadership, firm yet inclusive, is drawing people in. The President is not asking politicians to cross party lines; they’re crossing on their own volition, because they see a new political centre of gravity forming around him.

    In just one week, Nigeria witnessed an extraordinary wave of defections. Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, his predecessor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, all influential PDP stalwarts, joined the APC. The entire Delta State House of Assembly followed suit. So did the entire Edo State Assembly, with its 18 members defecting en masse to the ruling party. Then came Kebbi, where three sitting PDP senators — Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki — met the President and announced their move to the APC.

    Each of these defections is significant on its own. Together, they represent something more profound, a quiet revolution in Nigerian politics. Opposition figures are not only leaving their parties; they are also aligning with Tinubu’s vision of national renewal. As Ganduje noted after the Kebbi senators’ defection, this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about “quality and capacity.”

    Indeed, Tinubu has shown a rare political acumen: the ability to unify divergent interests without erasing identities. He’s not trying to flatten Nigeria’s political diversity; he’s building a broad coalition within it. Take his Thursday visit to Anambra State, a region historically distant from the APC’s base. In Awka, Tinubu was welcomed not just as a President, but as a brother, an ally, and a partner in progress. From Governor Charles Soludo to traditional rulers and civil society leaders, the President received accolades not merely for showing up, but for showing results.

    Soludo, in a powerful gesture, emphasized Anambra’s ideological alignment with Tinubu’s progressive vision. He praised the President’s economic policies, the federal government’s attention to abandoned infrastructure projects, and the symbolic importance of the Southeast’s inclusion in the National Rail Master Plan. In return, Tinubu assured the people of Anambra that his administration would tackle erosion, complete roads, reactivate gas utilization plans, and ensure the region is no longer left out of Nigeria’s development map.

    The President’s remarks were as strategic as they were sincere: “We are one family… our diversity must lead to prosperity.” That was not mere rhetoric. It was the tone of a man who sees leadership not through the lens of party supremacy, but national stewardship. And the people responded. From chieftaincy titles to public declarations of support, it was clear that Tinubu’s visit had shifted perceptions, and perhaps, the political calculus, in the Southeast.

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    There is also a message here for those outside Tinubu’s growing coalition, particularly the faction of the opposition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Their efforts to galvanize a fragmented coalition have been loud, but largely unconvincing. While they project strength through sporadic media salvos and echo-chamber critiques, Tinubu is projecting unity through action, results, and direct engagement with people and places once considered politically unreachable.

    Tinubu’s strategy is not without risk. Consolidating power can invite charges of political monopolization. But as Governor Sule wisely noted, this is not a slide into one-party rule; it’s a competitive democracy in motion. Nigerians are gravitating toward results, not slogans. And right now, Tinubu is producing results that resonate, economically, politically, and socially.

    Consider the lithium breakthroughs in Nasarawa State. Governor Sule proudly informed the President that a 3-million metric ton facility has already been commissioned, with another, three times the size, due in weeks. These are the dividends of peace, policy, and partnership. States like Nasarawa are emerging as hubs of clean energy, mining, and agriculture, not in spite of the federal government, but because of its new posture.

    This is what makes Tinubu’s presidency unique. He governs with the confidence of a tactician and the instinct of a bridge-builder. His open-door approach to governance, his refusal to alienate critics, and his consistent focus on economic reform are changing not just how Nigeria is run, but how Nigerians perceive politics itself.

    So, as the defections mount and the narrative shifts, it is clear: Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not just consolidating political power. He is reshaping the very architecture of Nigerian democracy. Through economic reform, national outreach, and inclusive leadership, he is drawing Nigerians, even his former adversaries, into a common vision of progress.

    This last week, the opposition blinked. The people moved. And the President smiled, not in triumph, but in resolve. That smile is now Nigeria’s most potent political force.

    Governance, Gratitude, and Growth

  • The worker, reformer and road ahead

    The worker, reformer and road ahead

    As the echoes of the 2025 International Workers’ Day celebrations fade into the national consciousness, one message rang clear and resounding: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains steadfast in his commitment to the ordinary Nigerian, the worker, the engine of the economy, and the silent architect of national progress. In a week that seemed quieter than usual from the Presidency, the May Day celebration emerged as a poignant reminder of the administration’s core values: inclusiveness, empathy, and resolute pursuit of reform.

    While there were no dramatic unveilings or major national policy shifts announced during the week, the tone of governance under President Tinubu remained reassuring. Two major events, the May Day celebration and the President’s two-day working visit to Katsina State, illustrated his silent but focused determination to keep the wheels of reform turning. These occasions served not just ceremonial functions, but practical affirmations of Tinubu’s longstanding promise to build a better Nigeria through policies centred on the welfare of its people.

    On Thursday, May 1st, President Tinubu took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle to share a personally penned Workers’ Day message. It was short but weighty, a note that captured not only the spirit of the moment, but also the President’s consistent alignment with the ordinary Nigerian. His words were more than protocol; they were deeply emotive and symbolic.

    “You are the engine of our economy and the secret to our nation’s growth”, he wrote, addressing all segments of the workforce. “Our administration has and will continue to prioritise workers’ welfare. Together, we will make Nigeria great again”.

    This message, coming directly from the President and not through proxies, was significant. It conveyed a leadership style that is present, participatory, and people-centric. The message also transcended bureaucratic formalities, it was a call to unity and a gesture of gratitude, honouring “everyone, young and old, entrepreneur or employee, private or government employed” who contribute to national development.

    The significance of the May Day message lay not just in its words, but in its context. Nigerian workers have endured turbulent years, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidies, a decision Tinubu himself has admitted was difficult but necessary. That decision came with considerable strain on households and pushed the administration to double the minimum wage from N35,000 to N70,000, with some states like Lagos and Rivers even going beyond to N85,000.

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    This year’s celebration at the Eagle Square in Abuja, where workers turned out in vibrant attire and spirited solidarity, reflected both the trials and triumphs of the Nigerian workforce. Although the President could not attend in person, his representation by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, carried both substance and symbolism. Dingyadi delivered the President’s reaffirmation of support, while also highlighting 13 interventionist programmes aimed at improving worker welfare and advancing job creation.

    Labour leaders Joe Ajaero (NLC) and Festus Osifo (TUC) presented a 20-point demand list, reflecting the pressing concerns of the working population. These ranged from wage fairness to job security, healthcare, and protection of workers’ rights. The President’s response—delivered through the minister—was not defensive or dismissive, but empathetic and proactive.

    Notably, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to join the International Labour Organisation’s Global Coalition for Social Justice. This move aligns the nation’s labour ecosystem with global standards and shows his administration’s openness to international accountability mechanisms on labour equity, job creation, and social protection.

    More importantly, Tinubu’s May Day message was couched in the language of justice, inclusion, and transformation. “Let us work together to ensure that every worker, regardless of their role or background, has access to opportunities that enable them to thrive,” he said. These are not idle words. They mirror a governing philosophy rooted in the Renewed Hope Agenda—a plan that sees labour not as a tool, but as a partner in progress.

    From the nation’s capital to the northwest, President Tinubu capped off the week with a two-day visit to Katsina State, where his presence blended the political, the developmental, and the personal. While one element of the visit was social—attending the wedding of Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s daughter—the visit itself was anchored in governance.

    Security, the elephant in the room for many northern states, was at the heart of the President’s mission. Katsina, like many of its neighbours, has suffered from banditry and rural violence, phenomena that undermine both development and the morale of its working population, especially in the agriculture sector. Tinubu’s visit provided an opportunity to engage directly with local leaders and assess the security landscape firsthand.

    But the President didn’t stop at dialogue. He also inaugurated two key infrastructural projects that reflect the Dikko Radda administration’s commitment to development-led security. The launch of the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre marks a strategic investment in modernising farming, an employment-heavy sector with the potential to absorb thousands of youths and smallholder farmers.

    The commissioning of a 24-kilometre dual carriageway also demonstrates Radda’s commitment to improving mobility and trade, which are essential for economic recovery and regional stability. Both projects serve the dual purpose of creating jobs and improving quality of life, tangible dividends of democracy that go beyond political slogans.

    In a week marked by relative quiet from the corridors of the presidency, Tinubu nonetheless made a powerful statement, not by fanfare, but by honouring the very people and institutions that make Nigeria resilient, hopeful, and forward-moving. While Workers’ Day celebrations and a strategic visit to Katsina commanded headlines, the President’s series of tributes, condolences, and congratulatory messages showed a leadership deeply attuned to the human stories that shape the nation’s soul.

    From the football field in Ikenne to the boardrooms of WEMA Bank, from the media trenches in Ikorodu to the prayer halls of northern Nigeria, President Tinubu’s words this past week served as a mirror of national identity — proud, enduring, diverse, and above all, rooted in shared purpose.

    On Monday, the President opened the week with an exuberant celebration of sporting excellence, congratulating Remo Stars Football Club for clinching their first Nigerian Premier Football League title. That the club, only four years into its top-flight status, could rise to national victory was for President Tinubu a moment of pride for Ogun State and Nigerian football. But more than that, it reflected the promise of youth, resilience, and ambition — values his administration continues to champion across sectors.

    In sharp contrast to celebration came a moment of national mourning. The death of Sheikh Mainasara Liman Habibi, a revered Islamic cleric and leader within the Tijjaniyya brotherhood, was met with heartfelt sorrow. Tinubu’s message praised the preacher’s lifelong commitment to religious scholarship and peace-building, virtues the President has consistently underscored as essential to Nigeria’s social stability. His grief was soon echoed again with the passing of another towering figure, Sheikh Abdur Rasheed Hadiyyatullah, President of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria. These losses, deeply felt in Nigeria’s Muslim communities, were acknowledged with humility and reverence by the President.

    But it was not all about mourning. The President also found time to mark milestones in Nigeria’s economic and journalistic spheres. In his tribute to Dr. Mike Adenuga, Chairman of Globacom, Tinubu extolled the billionaire entrepreneur as a national asset — a man whose footprints in telecommunications, banking, and oil and gas have left an indelible impact. “Nigeria is grateful”, he said simply, but powerfully. The same appreciation echoed in his message to Mr. Tony Attah, former NLNG boss and current CEO of Renaissance Africa, whose 60th birthday offered a moment to recognize key players in the nation’s energy reforms.

    On the media front, Tinubu paid glowing homage to Chief Monsor Olowosago, founder of Oriwu Sun newspaper, which turned 40 this week. The President called it “Nigeria’s most enduring community newspaper,” a nod to the role of grassroots journalism in preserving democracy and informing communities. For a President who rose through the rough and tumble of political organizing, such institutions of the fourth estate remain critical allies in the journey of reform.

    Elsewhere, President Tinubu kept faith with family and friends. His condolence message to the Edun family on the passing of Madam Olufunmilayo Edun, matriarch of an influential Lagos family, showed personal depth. His celebration of Archbishop Johnpraise Daniel at 65, Chief Pius Akinyelure at 80, and corporate tributes to WEMA Bank at 80 all carried a consistent theme: appreciation for those who have weathered storms to contribute to Nigeria’s collective progress.

    A week’s worth of headlines may not always scream policy or power, but President Tinubu’s statements — from condolence letters to birthday greetings — spoke volumes about the kind of leadership he seeks to embody. It is one that sees the human dimension behind the headlines; one that honours service, applauds innovation, respects faith, and treasures community.

    For a nation striving toward cohesion and greatness, this quieter aspect of presidential engagement is no less significant. It reminds Nigerians that at the helm of affairs is a leader who understands the value of people, the builders, thinkers, teachers, preachers, and quiet achievers, whose labour and lives stitch together the fabric of our country.

    Indeed, in President Tinubu’s Nigeria, the greatness of the nation is not just a matter of policy, but of people.

    Though the week may have seemed quiet on the surface, the President’s actions revealed a leadership style that prioritises long-term reform over media razzmatazz. Tinubu’s approach, especially as seen in this week’s engagements, has been deliberate, balancing empathy with action, symbolism with substance, and governance with grassroots presence.

    From Abuja’s parade ground to Katsina’s dusty roads, President Tinubu sent a consistent message: that the ordinary Nigerian, the worker, the farmer, the teacher, the artisan, is not forgotten. They are, in fact, the centerpiece of his administration’s vision.

    For a nation striving to recover from years of economic strain and political instability, this kind of leadership, measured, responsive, and grounded in real-world concerns, could very well be what Nigeria needs. As President Tinubu noted in his May Day message, “Let us stand united in our pursuit of a Nigeria where insecurity is replaced with stability, and where the civic space is a beacon of hope and progress.”

    That vision may still be unfolding, but if this past week is any indication, the President has not lost sight of the people for whom the nation is being rebuilt.