Wike Praises Tinubu as Nigeria’s True Leader for Progress

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has emphasized that Nigeria requires visionary and courageous leadership to realize its full potential and attain the “Nigeria of our dreams.”

He made this assertion while delivering the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on Thursday. The lecture was aptly titled, “The Nigeria of Our Dreams.”

In his presentation, Wike argued that the country’s most pressing challenge is not a lack of resources or potential, but the pervasive problem of ineffective and self-serving leadership. He echoed the sentiments of celebrated author Chinua Achebe, referencing Achebe’s seminal work “The Trouble with Nigeria,” in which Achebe famously stated that the country’s greatest problem lies in the failure of leadership. According to Wike, this assertion remains undeniably true today.

“Our leaders, both in the military and civilian eras, have largely emerged through self-interested arrangements that bear little relevance to the genuine development and progress of the nation,” Wike remarked.

Wike, however, maintained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represents a departure from this norm. According to him, Tinubu stands out as the kind of leader Nigeria urgently needs—resolute, reform-driven, and committed to national transformation. He described the President as a man of sound character and tenacity, capable of leading with vision even in the face of daunting challenges.

He explained that the ideal leader for Nigeria must possess a profound belief in the nation’s vast potential, coupled with the courage to make tough decisions, the wisdom to act prudently, and the foresight to build and innovate. This leader, he stressed, must operate with excellence as the standard, rejecting mediocrity in all its forms.

Wike pointed to Tinubu’s leadership style as one that embodies these attributes. “He has demonstrated unwavering commitment to democracy, even at personal risk, and has showcased a strong track record of development, especially during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State,” Wike said.

Among Tinubu’s notable actions, Wike highlighted the removal of fuel subsidy on the President’s very first day in office as a courageous and reformative decision. He recalled how successive administrations acknowledged the unsustainable nature of the subsidy regime but failed to act due to political pressure and fear of public backlash.

“In contrast, President Tinubu took that bold step and has since been managing the difficult yet necessary consequences of the removal,” Wike said. “States now have more resources at their disposal, debt accumulation is slowing, and the price of petrol is adjusting gradually in line with market forces and regulatory standards.”

He further praised Tinubu’s effort to address longstanding concerns over the over-centralization of power and resources at the federal level. According to Wike, the establishment of zonal and regional development commissions is a decisive step toward true federalism, allowing developmental initiatives to be decentralized and better tailored to regional needs.

Turning to the issue of national security, the FCT Minister noted that Tinubu’s administration is taking decisive actions. These include increased funding for security agencies and the strategic recruitment of forest guards across the country—a measure aimed at curbing the activities of bandits and terrorists who often exploit ungoverned forest areas as hideouts.

“Banditry and terrorism, which have long tormented our people, will soon be relegated to history,” Wike asserted. “This administration is laying the groundwork for lasting peace and prosperity through a series of deliberate, transformative policies.”

Wike concluded by stating unequivocally that Nigeria now has a leader in Tinubu who is fully equipped to steer the nation toward progress. “The Nigeria of our dreams is not a fantasy; it is attainable, and it is within reach under the leadership of President Tinubu,” he said.

The event also featured commendations from several dignitaries. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Deputy, Mr. Kola Adewusi, described Wike as a principled and experienced politician, praising his visionary transformation of infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory.

Also speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, lauded the timeliness and relevance of the lecture. He emphasized that at a time when Nigeria’s democracy is grappling with challenges in governance and equitable development, such reflections are critical to national discourse.

“The lecture calls for deep interrogation of the institutions that uphold democracy, the values that sustain responsible governance, and the strategies to unlock the country’s immense development potential,” Bamire noted.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who was the Royal Father of the Day, also praised Wike for his candor and courage. He described the minister as an “upright politician” who is known for speaking his mind with boldness and clarity.

“Love him or hate him, he says things as they are. What is destined to happen will surely happen,” the revered monarch stated.