Described by his allies as an astute political strategist, famed for his deftness in governance matters, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even before his days in the Alliance for Democratic Party, had a penchant for spotting talents. As a technocrat, President Tinubu surrounds himself with capable and competent people regardless of their religion, tribe and background, from across Nigeria and the globe.
On special occasions involving national icons, heroes, past and present leaders from different sectors and industries, and people with renowned deeds and noble achievements, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu felicitates, celebrates, and honors their significant roles through personally written statements, endorsements by his spokesperson, and in other instances of special national and international occasions, he speaks glowingly of them.
One of such people was Sheik Dahiru Usman Bauchi, the leader of Tijjaniya in Nigeria.
In a blissful mood, President Bola Tinubu joined thousands of his followers to celebrate his 100-year milestone. Extending his felicitations to the renowned Islamic leader, President Tinubu described Shehu Dahiru Bauchi as a shining light who has significantly contributed to shaping Islamic knowledge, as well as moral and ethical standards in modern Nigeria. Thanking the Tijjaniyya leader for dedicating his life to spreading knowledge and raising generations of Nigerians, President Tinubu prayed for greater wisdom and good health for the Sheikh.
Born on the 2nd of Muharram 1346 A.H., equivalent to 100 years, Sheikh Bauchi’s contributions to Islamic scholarship and education have been widely celebrated in Nigeria and beyond.
On Tuesday evening, ministers, members of the Nigeria Governors Forum, family members, and friends joined the first family, The Bola Ahmed Tinubu family, to watch a one hour fifty-five minute stage play on the late mother of the President, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji. The play, titled “Abibatu Mogaji,” was written by Ola Awaakan, a graduate of Mass Communication, and Professor Mohammed Bello Yerima.
On arrival at the Conference Center of the State House, President Tinubu, accompanied by his son, Seyi Tinubu, visited the photo stand where they recalled past memories with the beautiful artworks, some of which were displayed in the form of paintings, sketches, and a few others as real-time pictures. Admiring the photos on display, President Tinubu extolled the virtues of his late mother, Hajia Abibatu Mogaji, OON, MFR, describing her as a disciplinarian and appreciating her gifts of character, resilience, and determination.
For the Nigerian entertainment industry, the Abibatu Mogaji play became the catalyst for more recognition as it succeeded in drawing more attention from the President to invest in the sector. “Ola Awakan and Yerima, and the members of the cast, I say thank you. We will invest in Nigeria’s culture and art for the education of our children and the benefit of mankind and all of you,” the President added.
The Play, President Mother’s Prayer
In Yoruba mythology of Southwestern Nigeria, the prayers of the mother are extremely significant to the success and triumph of their children. Accordingly, President Tinubu’s mother used every opportunity to pray for her son. That prayer to be a leader has finally come to pass.
The play, written by Ola Awakan and inspired by a book by Professor Ahmed Yerima, aimed to reawaken the consciousness of Nigerians to crucial aspects of national life such as resilience, good governance, leadership qualities, and mentorship, inspiring generations of Nigerians both present and future. Awakan, during the stage play, told the audience, “We have to use the story of Mama to immortalize her and to use her attributes of mentorship, good leadership, and resilience to preach to generations of Nigerians now and the unborn generation.”
On Monday, President Tinubu penned a special tribute to Alhaji Surajudeen Tokunbo Ayilara, who recently passed away. Ayilara was a public servant whose path crossed with President Tinubu’s when he was elected governor of Lagos State in 1999. Ayilara served as the Director of the Abuja Liaison Office and worked in the military administration of Colonel Buba Marwa as Sole Administrator of Agege Local Government. His outstanding performance on his first assignments under Governor Tinubu included the satisfactory completion of the then-abandoned Lagos Liaison Office in Abuja within six months. After retiring from public service, Ayilara was appointed as Special Adviser to Governor Tinubu, serving even after his tenure as governor.
In a glowing tribute to his friend, civil servant, and true progressive at heart, President Tinubu said, “Ayilara believed in our shared vision for Nigeria. He was an integral part of my presidential campaign team, visiting numerous campaign stops with me and serving as my liaison with influential political figures. His primary responsibility was managing our campaign accounts during the intense campaign period. To describe Alhaji Ayilara as merely a staff member or Special Adviser would be to significantly understate his importance to me. He was a trusted associate, friend, brother, and dependable partner. I must express my deepest gratitude for his services to Lagos State and to my family, as well as his unwavering support throughout my political career. It is possible that many of our achievements would not have been possible without his guidance and partnership. I will never forget Alhaji Ayilara, nor will Lagos State or anyone who knew him. May I, on behalf of myself, my family, the government, and all the good people of Nigeria, offer heartfelt condolences to his loving wife and children.”
In his affable way, President Tinubu also condoled with his cabinet member, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Trade and Investment, over the passing of her beloved mother, Mrs. Victoria Immaculata Uzoka. He commiserated with the entire family of the deceased and extended his prayers and support to them during this difficult time. While praying for the repose of the soul of the departed, the President urged the Minister and the Uzoka family to find strength in the peace, charity, and good deeds that the late matriarch’s life was defined by.
During the week, President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Honourable Olaide Akinremi, the lawmaker representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The late Akinremi was a two-term lawmaker and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The President also commiserated with members of the National Assembly, friends, and associates of the deceased over this profound loss.
In another development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condoled with the family and followers of the Chief Imam of Jos, Plateau State, Sheikh Lawal Adam Abubakar. Sheikh Lawal Abubakar, a respected Muslim leader, passed away on Thursday in Jos. President Tinubu acknowledged the late Imam’s community services and moral leadership, stating that they would be long remembered.
President Tinubu also extended his felicitations to Prince Nduka Obaigbena, CON, on the occasion of his 65th birthday. President Tinubu applauded the enterprising spirit of the former President of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), who founded ThisWeek Magazine, and later, THISDAY Newspapers, Arise Magazine, and The Arise News Channel
