Before the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had confidently declared “emilokan” which in Yoruba means “it’s my turn”. Like a prophet, Tinubu had visualized and dreamt of his ascent to the highest office in the land and now, with his victory in the election, he has proved his foresight to be true.
Tinubu’s journey to the presidency has been a long and eventful one. Born on March 29, 1952, in Lagos, he grew up in the city’s Mushin and Surulere areas. He attended St. John’s Primary School, Aroloya, Lagos, and Children’s Home School, Ibadan, before proceeding to Government College, Ibadan. He later studied at the Richard Daley College in Chicago, Illinois, United States, where he obtained a degree in Accounting.
After his studies, Tinubu worked as an accountant in the United States before returning to Nigeria in the early 1990s to pursue a career in politics. He was elected to the Senate of Nigeria’s Third Republic in 1992 and served until the military coup of 1993. After the return to democracy in 1999, he was elected governor of Lagos State and served two terms from 1999 to 2007.
During his tenure as governor, Tinubu implemented numerous policies and programs that transformed Lagos State into a model for development in Nigeria. He invested heavily in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security, among other areas. His success as a governor earned him a reputation as a competent administrator and a visionary leader.
In addition to his political career, Tinubu is a successful businessman, with interests in real estate, media, and agriculture. He is the owner of The Nation newspaper, a leading national daily, and TV Continental, a popular television station. He is also a major player in the real estate sector, with numerous properties in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
Tinubu’s success in business and politics has made him a godfather to many politicians in Nigeria. He has used his influence and resources to help his proteges win elections and gain political power. However, his role as a political godfather has also attracted criticism, with some accusing him of promoting a culture of impunity and corruption in Nigerian politics.
Now that Tinubu has won the presidency, there are high expectations of him. Nigerians are looking to him to address the country’s numerous challenges, including insecurity, corruption, and economic instability. Tinubu has promised to tackle these issues head-on and has unveiled a comprehensive agenda for his administration. Some of his key priorities include job creation, infrastructure development, and security reform.
As Tinubu prepares to take over from President Buhari, there is no doubt that he faces enormous challenges. The country is grappling with numerous issues, including a sluggish economy, a rising wave of insecurity, and a growing sense of disillusionment among the populace. However, Tinubu is known for his resilience, his tenacity, and his ability to get things done. With the support of Nigerians, he may yet succeed in transforming Nigeria into a prosperous and stable nation.