President Bola Tinubu celebrated his 73rd birthday yesterday amidst prayers and well wishes. For a man who has spent decades navigating the complex terrain of Nigerian politics, turning 73 is indeed a milestone worth celebrating.
What struck me most about the President’s birthday wasn’t the celebration itself but his simple yet profound words after the Juma’at prayer session at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday.
While politicians are known for grand speeches and lofty promises, Tinubu simply stated he would “work harder and pray harder.” There’s something refreshingly honest about this statement that resonates with me.
Trust me, I’ve heard countless political statements over the years, but this one stands out for its simplicity and directness. Hard work and prayers – a combination that has shaped the lives of many successful Nigerians. Perhaps there’s wisdom in this approach that we shouldn’t overlook.
The President’s commitment to “work harder” comes at a time when Nigeria faces significant challenges. From economic reforms to security concerns, the task before him is enormous. But isn’t that the story of leadership – taking on challenges that seem insurmountable and finding ways to overcome them?
The presence of top government officials at the prayer session – Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, ministers, service chiefs – speaks volumes about the support system around the President. In these challenging times, such support is crucial for any leader.
Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Solagberu’s (the Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate) assurance of continual prayers for the President’s “good health, strength, and wisdom” highlights what every leader needs – divine guidance. The renowned Islamic cleric’s emphasis on prayers for the nation’s peace and stability reminds us that beyond policies and programmes, there’s a spiritual dimension to national development that we often ignore.
I particularly loved the First Lady’s birthday message to her husband. Senator Remi Tinubu called him her “Knight in Shining Armour” and celebrated his “courage, strength, and resilience.” After decades of marriage, such affection is not just heartwarming but a testament to the President’s character in his private life.
Looking at Tinubu’s journey so far as President, one can argue that courage and resilience have indeed been on display. The decision to remove fuel subsidies, for instance, required political courage. While the immediate impact has been challenging for many Nigerians, the long-term goal of redirecting those funds to more productive sectors of the economy makes economic sense.
The floating of the naira, another bold move, aims to create a more transparent foreign exchange market. Yes, there have been immediate challenges, but the goal is a stronger economy in the long-run. Rome, as they say, wasn’t built in a day.
The President’s focus on infrastructure development, exemplified by the renewed commitment to key projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, shows a leader thinking about Nigeria’s future. These projects, when completed, will not only improve transportation but also boost economic activities across regions.
In the area of security, the collaboration between various security agencies under Tinubu’s leadership has led to some successes against bandits and insurgents. The recent rescue operations and targeted strikes show a more coordinated approach to tackling insecurity. Also the elimination of top bandits’ leaders shows the military is recording some success.
The President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, while still unfolding, contains elements that address key national concerns – food security, poverty reduction, job creation, and improved governance. The roadmap is there; the implementation is ongoing.
When the Imam of the National Mosque, Prof. Muhammad Kabir Adam, said, “Mr. President, Allah is with you, and you will succeed,” it wasn’t just a birthday wish but a prayer that resonates with many Nigerians who genuinely want their country to succeed regardless of political affiliations.
The Imam’s appreciation of the President and First Lady’s gesture towards the poor and needy during Ramadan also highlights a personal quality that often goes unnoticed – empathy. In a society with significant economic disparities, leaders who remember the less privileged deserve commendation.
As Tinubu begins his 74th year, the combination of hard work and prayers he mentioned might indeed be what Nigeria needs at this moment. Hard work to tackle the myriad of challenges facing the nation and prayers for divine guidance in making the right decisions.
The journey ahead is undoubtedly challenging. Economic reforms take time to yield results. Security concerns require continuous attention. Infrastructure development is a long-term process. But with commitment, consistency, and the right strategies, progress is possible.
For ordinary Nigerians, the President’s birthday commitment to work harder should be a source of hope. It indicates a leader who acknowledges the enormity of the task ahead and is willing to put in the effort required.
The prayer aspect of his statement also connects with the spiritual dimension of the Nigerian society. In a country where religion plays a significant role in daily life, a leader who acknowledges the place of divine guidance tends to resonate with many citizens.
As we reflect on the President’s birthday and his simple yet profound statement, let’s remember that national development is a collective responsibility. While the government leads the way, citizens, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders all have roles to play.
So here’s to President Tinubu at 73 – may his commitment to hard work and prayers translate to tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians. And may we all, in our various capacities, contribute to building the Nigeria of our dreams.
Happy birthday, Mr. President. The journey continues, and with determination and divine guidance, the destination of a prosperous Nigeria is attainable.
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