Tinubu is leader of Nigeria’s dream, says Wike

…urges citizens to support his Renewed Hope Agenda

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the kind of leader Nigeria needs to realize its long-elusive national dream.

Speaking at the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, titled “Nigeria of Our Dreams,” Wike noted that Nigeria’s major challenge has been the absence of quality leadership. He said the country has suffered from leaders lacking preparation, knowledge, courage, patriotism, and character.

Wike stated that this trend is changing under President Tinubu, whom he described as the embodiment of resilience, courage, and foresight. He praised Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to democracy, noting that he had risked his life to defend it in the past.

The minister commended Tinubu’s bold move to remove the fuel subsidy on his first day in office, describing it as an act of rare courage. According to him, past leaders only paid lip service to subsidy removal, while Tinubu acted decisively to end a policy that had long impoverished Nigerians.

Wike argued that the subsidy removal has given states more financial autonomy, curbed debt accumulation, and allowed market forces to gradually adjust petrol prices. He credited Tinubu’s economic reforms for driving growth and strengthening fiscal independence at the state level.

He also applauded the decentralization of power through the creation of zonal commissions, describing it as a significant step toward true federalism. Wike emphasized that security is being improved through better funding, training of personnel, and initiatives like the recruitment of forest guards to curb terrorism and banditry.

According to Wike, these policies reflect Tinubu’s vision to reposition Nigeria on the path of progress and development. He highlighted the administration’s commitment to building a more secure, decentralized, and economically vibrant country.

Wike concluded by urging Nigerians to support Tinubu’s administration, noting that no leader can succeed without the backing of the people. He called on citizens to move beyond cynicism and embrace the renewed hope agenda for national transformation.