President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took over the mantle of leadership at a time many Nigerians were lamenting the excruciating pains that the economy has challenged them with.
On assumption of office, President Tinubu was faced with serious economic challenges, including rising inflation, debt and an unstable forex market.
Nigerians needed a leader that would not only turn things around, but with the magic wand to change the trajectory and bring about the needed reprieve for the people.
Even before his inauguration, the president asked Nigerians not to pity him, arguably because of the enormous task ahead and the feeling by many Nigerians that the job will naturally overwhelm anyone saddled with the responsibility.
He has been consistent that he asked for, campaigned for the job and is ready to do his best in the interest of the people and posterity.
However, the initial steps of the president left many Nigerians stunned by whether the president was ready for the job, knew what he was doing and actually had the magic wand to make the right impact.
Analysts, opposition figures and civil servants who were bearing the brunt of the many reforms of the president like the fuel subsidy removal, electricity tariff and the floating of the naira among others, saw no hope.
As the the president clocks 73 and also move closer to his two years in office in the next two months, the situation in the country (though not yet uhuru) is not where majority of Nigerians want to be, but the despondency, suffering and hopelessness is gradually given way to the Renewed Hope that President Bola Tinubu promised.
The life line of the country, the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is gradually coming down, inflation is dropping, just as food prices are not left out.
One thing that supporters and even non supporters of the president will agree on is his governance reforms process, like financial autonomy for local governments, salary increase for judges, and a minimum wage increase from N30,000 to N70,000, among many others.
The president has clearly shown that he knows what he is doing and is ready to take the bull by the horns. At 73, the president has shown that he is not only ready, but has the capacity to take on the onerous responsibility.
Recall that during the campaigns, many felt at his age, the president might not be able to summon the necessary energy that comes with the office, but he has proven them wrong and has continued to trudge on despite the initial huddles.
He has left no one in doubt about his commitment, intentions and zeal to drive his Renewed Hope Agenda.
On his 73rd birthday, President Tinubu has resorted to prayers for the growth of the country. He has shown that he is not satisfied and wants more for the people that entrusted him with the leadership of the country.
Addressing journalists after the prayer session at the National Mosque, the Nigerian leader said the safety and welfare of citizens remain uppermost on his mind and prayer list.
“I feel good. I feel happy. I thank the Almighty Allah, who has protected us and continues to answer our prayers. We also thank Allah for accepting our worship; that is key and very important to us.
“We have prayed for our country. We prayed for the stability and peace of the nation. We prayed that Almighty Allah will safeguard our people and all citizens,” the president added.
President Tinubu said his watchword remains “hard work and hard prayers.’’
“The word for all of us is hard work. You work harder, and you pray harder. That’s the inspiration I got from today’s sermon. We thank God almighty that at this stage, we are still in it and working,’’ he added.
Also earlier in a statement, his spokesman Bayo Onanuga said, “On this significant day, the president will dedicate himself to spiritual reflection and supplication for Nigeria’s continued peace, progress, and prosperity.
“Choosing a prayer session reflects President Tinubu’s dedication to Nigeria’s spiritual and moral well-being and his commitment to seeking divine guidance, insight and strength in leadership. He believes collective prayer is a powerful tool for guiding the nation towards progress and harmony,” Onanuga said.
He states: “I am deeply thankful to Allah for the gift of life and the privilege to serve this great nation. As I mark another birthday and look forward to our second anniversary, my heart is filled with Renewed Hope for Nigeria. I urge all citizens to pray for divine guidance, unity and healing for our land. Together, we shall overcome challenges and build a nation where every citizen thrives.”
The president reaffirms his commitment to consolidating democratic gains, fostering economic recovery, and promoting national cohesion. He encourages citizens to remain steadfast in believing in Nigeria’s destiny as a beacon of hope in Africa.
At 73, the life of President Bola Tinubu has also become a lesson to many Nigerians, especially the young ones.
His friendship and tentacles across the country is a lesson in networking while his dexterity to remain relevant in the political firmament of the country is a lesson in political engineering.
Just like the President’s slogan, there’s no better time for the president to superintend over the affairs of the country than now.
At 73, even those that may not like the president would certainly want to be like him.