President Bola Tinubu celebrated his 73rd birthday yesterday amidst prayers and effectively needs. For a person who has spent many years navigating the advanced terrain of Nigerian politics, turning 73 is certainly a milestone value celebrating.
What struck me most in regards to the President’s birthday wasn’t the celebration itself however his easy but profound phrases after the Juma’at prayer session on the Nationwide Mosque in Abuja on Friday.
Whereas politicians are identified for grand speeches and lofty guarantees, Tinubu merely said he would “work more durable and pray more durable.” There’s one thing refreshingly trustworthy about this assertion that resonates with me.
Belief me, I’ve heard numerous political statements over time, however this one stands out for its simplicity and directness. Arduous work and prayers – a mixture that has formed the lives of many profitable Nigerians. Maybe there’s knowledge on this strategy that we shouldn’t overlook.
The President’s dedication to “work more durable” comes at a time when Nigeria faces important challenges. From financial reforms to safety issues, the duty earlier than him is gigantic. However isn’t that the story of management – taking over challenges that appear insurmountable and discovering methods to beat them?
The presence of prime authorities officers on the prayer session – Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Nationwide Safety Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, ministers, service chiefs – speaks volumes in regards to the help system across the President. In these difficult instances, such help is essential for any chief.
Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Solagberu’s (the Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate) assurance of continuous prayers for the President’s “good well being, energy, and knowledge” highlights what each chief wants – divine steerage. The famend Islamic cleric’s emphasis on prayers for the nation’s peace and stability reminds us that past insurance policies and programmes, there’s a religious dimension to nationwide improvement that we regularly ignore.
I notably cherished the First Girl’s birthday message to her husband. Senator Remi Tinubu referred to as him her “Knight in Shining Armour” and celebrated his “braveness, energy, and resilience.” After many years of marriage, such affection isn’t just heartwarming however a testomony to the President’s character in his non-public life.
Taking a look at Tinubu’s journey as far as President, one can argue that braveness and resilience have certainly been on show. The choice to take away gasoline subsidies, for example, required political braveness. Whereas the fast influence has been difficult for a lot of Nigerians, the long-term purpose of redirecting these funds to extra productive sectors of the financial system makes financial sense.
The floating of the naira, one other daring transfer, goals to create a extra clear overseas trade market. Sure, there have been fast challenges, however the purpose is a stronger financial system within the long-run. Rome, as they are saying, wasn’t inbuilt a day.
The President’s give attention to infrastructure improvement, exemplified by the renewed dedication to key initiatives just like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Freeway, reveals a pacesetter eager about Nigeria’s future. These initiatives, when accomplished, won’t solely enhance transportation but additionally increase financial actions throughout areas.
Within the space of safety, the collaboration between varied safety companies below Tinubu’s management has led to some successes in opposition to bandits and insurgents. The current rescue operations and focused strikes present a extra coordinated strategy to tackling insecurity. Additionally the elimination of prime bandits’ leaders reveals the army is recording some success.
The President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, whereas nonetheless unfolding, comprises components that handle key nationwide issues – meals safety, poverty discount, job creation, and improved governance. The roadmap is there; the implementation is ongoing.
When the Imam of the Nationwide Mosque, Prof. Muhammad Kabir Adam, stated, “Mr. President, Allah is with you, and you’ll succeed,” it wasn’t only a birthday want however a prayer that resonates with many Nigerians who genuinely need their nation to succeed no matter political affiliations.
The Imam’s appreciation of the President and First Girl’s gesture in direction of the poor and needy throughout Ramadan additionally highlights a private high quality that always goes unnoticed – empathy. In a society with important financial disparities, leaders who keep in mind the much less privileged deserve commendation.
As Tinubu begins his 74th yr, the mix of exhausting work and prayers he talked about would possibly certainly be what Nigeria wants at this second. Arduous work to sort out the myriad of challenges dealing with the nation and prayers for divine steerage in making the precise selections.
The journey forward is undoubtedly difficult. Financial reforms take time to yield outcomes. Safety issues require steady consideration. Infrastructure improvement is a long-term course of. However with dedication, consistency, and the precise methods, progress is feasible.
For abnormal Nigerians, the President’s birthday dedication to work more durable ought to be a supply of hope. It signifies a pacesetter who acknowledges the enormity of the duty forward and is keen to place within the effort required.
The prayer facet of his assertion additionally connects with the religious dimension of the Nigerian society. In a rustic the place faith performs a big position in day by day life, a pacesetter who acknowledges the place of divine steerage tends to resonate with many voters.
As we replicate on the President’s birthday and his easy but profound assertion, let’s keep in mind that nationwide improvement is a collective duty. Whereas the federal government leads the best way, residents, civil society, the non-public sector, and different stakeholders all have roles to play.
So right here’s to President Tinubu at 73 – could his dedication to exhausting work and prayers translate to tangible enhancements within the lives of Nigerians. And will all of us, in our varied capacities, contribute to constructing the Nigeria of our goals.
Comfortable birthday, Mr. President. The journey continues, and with willpower and divine steerage, the vacation spot of a affluent Nigeria is attainable.
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