A birthday reflection for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, By Babafemi Ojudu

Mr President, don’t let anybody persuade you that the following election is an important factor. For many Nigerians, it’s the subsequent meal, the following hospital invoice, the following faculty charges, the following hire. These are the actual and pressing priorities… Attend to those challenges with sincerity, and you can be amazed on the goodwill you’ll regain. In actual fact, if the individuals see your coronary heart and your resolve, your second time period — should you need one — will come to you with out wrestle.

I be part of hundreds of thousands of Nigerians in wishing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a cheerful birthday.

Mr President, I bear in mind the times after we sat collectively as pals, allies, and comrades within the wrestle for democracy and good governance. You had been as soon as a good friend and confidant. Throughout the get together major that introduced you so far, I selected to assist one other good friend and former boss, then vice chairman, Professor Yemi Osinbajo — who, as destiny would have it, as soon as served as your legal professional basic in Lagos. The ties that certain the three of us had been sturdy, rooted in shared beliefs and a imaginative and prescient for a greater Nigeria.

As you mark one other yr, I write not solely to want you nicely however to supply, with sincerity and respect, a name to reflection — a plea borne out of affection for nation and for the beliefs we as soon as held expensive.

I bear in mind the dangers you took in these early days. The sleepless nights poring over papers, the fixed pondering on the situations of the vast majority of our individuals. I bear in mind your creativity in decision-making, your capability to resolve conflicts, and your willpower to construct bridges throughout the nation. These attributes earned you admiration and impressed a technology, myself included.

Sure, age could have taken its toll, because it should on all males. That when far-reaching capability could have waned. However I consider you continue to carry inside you that very same spark of conviction and compassion — the identical milk of human kindness you confirmed as governor of Lagos. You possibly can nonetheless summon that power. You possibly can nonetheless rekindle that fireside.

Mr President, Nigeria is in misery. Our persons are hurting. From starvation and inflation to insecurity and disillusionment, the cries of the individuals develop louder every day. The burden of management is now absolutely in your shoulders.

Please, strive — and take a look at laborious. Step away from the sycophants and self-seekers who encompass you. Attain inward to your conscience. Replicate deeply. And are available forth with daring, groundbreaking insurance policies that may raise our individuals from despair to hope.

This isn’t rocket science. The insurance policies and concepts to run a affluent Nigeria exist already within the writings and legacies of leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Attain for these books. Research the fashions. Tweak the info. Then act — with urgency and sincerity.

Name on the abilities and power of Nigerians at residence and overseas. The nation is overflowing with succesful, passionate, and patriotic people. What’s missing is coordination and objective.

Mr President, don’t let anybody persuade you that the following election is an important factor. For many Nigerians, it’s the subsequent meal, the following hospital invoice, the following faculty charges, the following hire. These are the actual and pressing priorities.

Attend to those challenges with sincerity, and you can be amazed on the goodwill you’ll regain. In actual fact, if the individuals see your coronary heart and your resolve, your second time period — should you need one — will come to you with out wrestle.

In your appointments, please look past your speedy circle. Lagos just isn’t Yoruba. Lagos just isn’t Nigeria. The greatness of our nation lies in its range. Each nook of this land has produced women and men of character, competence, and capability.

Take a cue from former Presidents Ibrahim Babangida and Olusegun Obasanjo. Regardless of their shortcomings and imperfections, they constructed Workforce Nigeria — not Workforce Niger, not Workforce Egba. You must replicate on this. If you’ll be able to assemble such a nationwide staff and inject them with imaginative and prescient, laborious work, and purposefulness, you’ll emerge as the most effective president Nigeria has ever had.

Mr President, you’ve been vastly blessed. Now could be the time to provide again — not in pursuit of private glory or self-aggrandisement, however by laying the inspiration for a legacy of selfless service that can endure past titles or tenure.

Let this birthday be a turning level — a Saul-to-Paul second.

Lead with justice. Govern with empathy. Act with urgency. And above all, serve with humility.

Then, when your time in workplace involves an finish, it is possible for you to to boost your head excessive, understanding that you just gave it your all — and that Nigeria was higher since you handed this manner.

Joyful Birthday, Mr President.

Babafemi Ojudu writes from Ado-Ekiti.