NGF Chair: Mediocre Tells, Abdulrahman inspires
Sulaimon Lekan Gadaff
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership philosophy was instrumental in changing the course of Nigeria’s future. Unlike many leaders, Tinubu believed in creating leaders instead of followers. His leadership style centered on empowering young Nigerians to become leaders in their own right.
Tinubu’s mission to transform Nigeria into a great nation began with creating a platform that provided the necessary resources, mentorship, and training for young Nigerians to succeed in their chosen fields. Through a strategic leadership platform, Tinubu nurtured and mentored young leaders, who eventually went on to become governors, senators, and national leaders themselves.
One of the leaders who benefitted from Tinubu’s program was Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Governor of Kwara State. Abdulrazaq shared Tinubu’s vision and was determined to impact his community positively. He recognized the importance of good governance and the need to unlock the full potential of his state.
Abdulrazaq’s policies focused on education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. He listened to the needs of the people and worked tirelessly to meet those needs. His administration provided free healthcare services, improved the state’s education quality, and initiated several infrastructure projects that enhanced people’s lives.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership style and contributions to Nigeria’s development have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his efforts, he has received numerous awards and honors in Nigeria and internationally. In 2015, he was awarded the prestigious African Sun Times Man of the Year Award for outstanding leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s economic and democratic development.
Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic process have been particularly significant. His role in forming the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 was instrumental in ending the dominance of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigerian politics. The APC’s victory in the 2015 presidential election marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that an opposition party had defeated the ruling party in a democratic election.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has also received recognition for his efforts to transform Kwara State. In 2020, he was awarded the “Governor of the Year” award by the Business Day Newspaper in recognition of his efforts to address the state’s challenges. His administration’s focus on infrastructure development has been particularly commendable, with the completion of several road projects.
Abdulrazaq’s administration has also made significant progress in improving healthcare in the state. His free healthcare program for children under five and pregnant women has improved access to healthcare services in rural areas. Additionally, his administration has prioritized the renovation of several primary healthcare centers across the state to improve the quality of healthcare services available to the people.
This story of Tinubu and Abdulrazaq illustrates the importance of investing in developing young leaders and the power of good governance in transforming communities. It highlights that true leadership is not about ruling with an iron fist but about empowering others to become leaders and listening to the cries of the people. By nurturing and mentoring young leaders and implementing policies that cater to the needs of the people, Nigeria can create a brighter future for generations to come.
However, Gadaff wished the new Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s forum a successful administration as he also beseech the Almighty God in his infinite mercy to grant His excellency the strength, knowledge and skills required to effectively and efficiently performed the services involved excellently beyond comprehension and imaginations.
Hon. Sulaimon Lekan Gadaff