Seeing the strength in President Tinubu

By ‘Demola Adegoroye

As I watched the viral video of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s fall during the Democracy Day celebrations, my initial shock and concern gave way to a deep sense of admiration and respect. Here was a man in his 70s, who had just suffered a public tumble, yet he got up, dusted himself off, and continued with the event as if nothing had happened.

In a world where leaders often prioritize image over substance, Asiwaju’s display of resilience and determination was a breath of fresh air. It was a powerful reminder that true leadership is not about being infallible, but about being courageous, adaptable, and committed to serving others.

As someone who has had the privilege of working with Asiwaju since 2001, I can attest to his unwavering spirit and unshakeable resolve. He is a man who has faced countless challenges throughout his life, from fighting for democracy to navigating the complexities of Nigerian politics. Yet, he remains undeterred, driven by a fierce passion for his country and its people.

Asiwaju’s determination is not just inspiring; it’s contagious. It has the power to energize and motivate others to strive for greatness, even in the face of adversity. And that’s exactly what Nigeria needs today – leaders who are willing to take risks, challenge the status quo, and push through difficulties to achieve greatness.

Of course, Asiwaju is not perfect. He has made mistakes, and he will likely make more in the future. But what will set him apart is his willingness to learn from those mistakes, to listen to others, and to adapt and grow. He is a leader who is not afraid to confront his own weaknesses and limitations, and to seek help when needed.

As we navigate the complex challenges facing our nation, we need more leaders like Asiwaju – leaders who are brave, resilient, and determined to succeed. We need leaders who will inspire us to be our best selves, to strive for excellence, and to never give up in the face of adversity.

So, let us draw inspiration from Mr President’s fall on Wednesday and his unbreakable spirit and unwavering resolve. Let us learn from his example, and strive to be leaders who make a difference in our own unique ways. For it is only by embracing our own resilience and determination that we can truly achieve greatness and make a lasting impact on our world.

Several countries the world over have had aged leaders and who fell as often as possible in public and in private but still ran their countries well and led their people out of poverty and adversity, and that is my prayer for Asiwaju; that God will strengthen him to perform exploits for the survival and greatness of our dear country Nigeria.

Adegoroye, the immediate past Minister of State for Transportation, writes from Abuja