Tinubu at 74: Celebrating a life of courage, reform and national renewal — by Uba Sani

Today, we celebrate the enduring legacy of a man whose life has been defined by courage, conviction, and an unyielding commitment to the progress of Nigeria. As His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, marks his 74th birthday, I join millions of Nigerians and admirers across the world in paying tribute to an extraordinary leader, a servant of the people, and a reformer of global stature.

For decades, President Tinubu stood at the forefront of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle. From the trenches of resistance, he aligned with civil society organisations, labour unions, journalists, academics, and student movements in a sustained and principled assault against military rule. That collective struggle, to which he gave so much of himself, culminated in the historic restoration of democratic governance in 1999. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s role in that defining chapter of our national journey remains indelible.

In the years that followed, His Excellency, President Tinubu distinguished himself not only as a democrat of note but as a master strategist in political organisation and coalition-building. His pivotal role in forging the alliance that birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC) reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape. It led to a watershed moment in 2015 when, for the first time in our history, an incumbent administration was peacefully defeated at the polls; an achievement that further deepened democratic practice in our country.

In 2023, history called upon him once again. A man long regarded as a central force in Nigerian politics assumed the highest office in the land. Yet, rather than rest on reputation, President Tinubu has governed with clarity of purpose and a willingness to take difficult but necessary decisions in the national interest.

His administration has embarked on bold and far-reaching reforms that are already repositioning Nigeria on a stronger and more sustainable footing. The removal of the long-standing fuel subsidy, a policy that had become economically unsustainable and deeply distortive, signaled a decisive break with the past. Equally significant is the unification of the foreign exchange market, which has restored greater transparency, improved investor confidence, and set the stage for long-term economic stability.

These reforms, though demanding in the immediate term, have begun to unlock critical resources for national development. Across the country, we are witnessing renewed investments in infrastructure, including landmark projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the 375 km Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road rehabilitation and up-grade project and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway. These initiatives are not merely roads; they are economic corridors designed to stimulate commerce, connect communities, and expand opportunity.

Your Excellency’s Renewed Hope Agenda has since rejuvenated Agriculture and Agri-business across the country; the health sector across the country has been bolstered with huge investments and increased personnel; and in the social sector, the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) reflects a deep sensitivity to the aspirations of young Nigerians. By expanding access to tertiary education, this initiative is investing in the nation’s future and empowering a new generation to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Beyond policy and projects, President Tinubu’s leadership embodies a broader democratic ethos. Mr. President remains committed to strengthening institutions, widening political participation, and nurturing a culture of dialogue and inclusion that extends beyond party lines. In doing so, he continues to deepen democracy in Nigeria, reinforcing its resilience and relevance in a rapidly changing world.

At 74, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands as a symbol of transformational leadership: one defined not by ease, but by courage; not by popularity alone, but by purpose; and not by short-term expediency, but by a long view of history.

As he marks this significant milestone, I celebrate His Excellency’s remarkable journey and his steadfast service to our nation. I pray that Almighty God grants him continued strength, wisdom, and good health in the years ahead, as he leads Nigeria toward greater stability, prosperity, and global relevance.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President.

–Sani, CON Governor, Kaduna State and
Vice Chairman, Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF)