As I watched the viral video of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s fall during the Democracy Day celebrations, my initial shock and concern gave way to a deep sense of admiration and respect. Here was a man in his late 70s, who had just suffered a public tumble, yet he got up, dusted himself off, and continued with the event as if nothing had happened. In a world where leaders often prioritize image over substance, Asiwaju’s display of resilience and determination was a breath of fresh air. It was a powerful reminder that true leadership is not about being infallible, but about being courageous, adaptable, and committed to serving others.

As someone who has had the privilege of working with Asiwaju since 2001, I can attest to his unwavering spirit and unshakeable resolve. He is a man who has faced countless challenges throughout his life, from fighting for democracy to navigating the complexities of Nigerian politics. Yet, he remains undeterred, driven by a fierce passion for his country and its people.

Asiwaju’s determination is not just inspiring; it’s contagious. It has the power to energize and motivate others to strive for greatness, even in the face of adversity. And that’s exactly what Nigeria needs today – leaders who are willing to take risks, challenge the status quo, and push through difficulties to achieve greatness.

Of course, Asiwaju is not perfect. He has made mistakes, and he will likely make more in the future. But what will set him apart is his willingness to learn from those mistakes, to listen to others, and to adapt and grow. He is a leader who is not afraid to confront his own weaknesses and limitations, and to seek help when needed.

As we navigate the complex challenges facing our nation, we need more leaders like Asiwaju – leaders who are brave, resilient, and determined to succeed. We need leaders who will inspire us to be our best selves, to strive for excellence, and to never give up in the face of adversity.

So, let us draw inspiration from Mr President’s fall earlier today and his unbreakable spirit and unwavering resolve. Let us learn from his example, and strive to be leaders who make a difference in our own unique ways. For it is only by embracing our own resilience and determination that we can truly achieve greatness and make a lasting impact on our world.

Several countries around the world have had leaders in their advanced years, who have faced similar challenges and setbacks, yet still managed to lead their nations to greatness. They fell, but they got back up, and their resilience inspired a generation. And that’s my prayer for Asiwaju – that God will grant him the strength, wisdom, and courage to continue leading our beloved country Nigeria out of adversity and into a brighter future. May his unwavering spirit and unshakeable resolve inspire us all to strive for greatness, and may we learn from his example to become better leaders and citizens.

Sincerely,

Sir (Prince) ‘Demola Adegoroye
Abuja, Nigeria

By Afolayan Adebiyi

The enfant terrible of Rivers State politics, Governor Nyesom Wike stormed Lagos Tuesday (18 October) and shocked all when he declared openly that “it will be a sheer waste of time and resources contesting against the Governor of the State” in the forthcoming general elections in February 2023.

The Rivers State helmsman rated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu high in performance, noting that the Lagos Governor had raised the standard of governance with quality of projects being delivered across Lagos.

Wike said therefore, any political party contesting against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos would be wasting time, as Sanwo-Olu’s performance would outshine anyone campaigning against him.
With this, Wike may have set a new precedent in the nation’s political culture with his open endorsement of a Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for Lagos State in an electoral contest in which his political party has a candidate in Mr. Olajide Adediran.

Wike, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governor, on Tuesday, openly pitched his tent with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, endorsing the Lagos Governor for second term.

It was at the 22nd National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO). The event with theme: “Spring Forth, Stand Out”, was held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Another PDP leader and former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose accompanied Wike to the event.

The Rivers State Governor said he had no regrets for openly endorsing Sanwo-Olu, stressing that his endorsement of his Lagos colleague was borne out of his personal conviction about good governance.

Wike said: “If Sanwo-Olu is not doing (well), even if he belongs to my party, I will not come here. If you belong to my party and you are not doing well in governance, you won’t see me. If you don’t belong to my party and you are doing well, you will see me. Good governance is what I stand for. I will not regret to say that I am in support of you (Sanwo-Olu) for second term. Others should not waste their time.
“Look at the kind of project coming from this women’s group. Why would any reasonable person not support the Government that is encouraging this. Let’s also look at the kind of physical infrastructure being delivered in Lagos. This confirms Lagos as a State of excellence. There are some people who will come here; instead of them to continue to make Lagos improve, they will bring Lagos down. For me, I’m satisfied with what Sanwo-Olu has done and it doesn’t matter the party he belongs.”

Sanwo-Olu responded to Wike’s endorsement, describing it as another example of “politics without bitterness”. He said Lagos and Rivers states had learnt from each other in terms of projects and development, adding that both states would continue to cooperate on shared interest.
He said: “There is no better person that is fit as a guest speaker at the conference other than the hardworking Governor Wike of Rivers State. We brought him here to share in his experience and also for him to see what we are doing in Lagos.

“We are encouraging collaboration without bitterness and without talking about our parties or political differences. If you are doing well, it doesn’t matter where you belong. We should encourage peer review across parties. Gov. Wike had invited me to Rivers for projects commissioning in the past. We have challenged ourselves in a positive way; this is good for the growth of our politics and the nation.
Gov. Wike also spoke about the qualities that the next president must bring forward, saying the nation deserved a president that would have the interest of Nigerians at heart.

He urged Nigerians to queue behind someone with vast experience in governance, who has the capacity to turn around the economy and confront insecurity.

Wike said: “We are looking for a president that has the capacity and experience in governance, who can put food on the table for everyone and fight insecurity. That’s the person we are looking for; not some people who are talking about ethnicity.”

The Rivers State Governor said he would be going back home with lessons of the Lagos’ National Women’s Conference, stressing that Lagos had set the standards on how to empower women for growth and development. He promised to replicate the idea in his State to further empower women in Rivers State.

www.focusmagazinesoline.com (C2022)

By Aminu Lawal, Abuja

Fears emerged within the inner circle of the entourage of the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Saturday, over the state of health of their presidential candidate.
Could the health of Waziri Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar have started failing him?

This is the question on the lips of political watchers Saturday (15 October) when the news emerged Saturday (15 October) afternoon that the Presidential candidate of the PDP have cancelled his planned consultative visit with his running mate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to Kafanchan, Southern Kaduna State, earlier scheduled for Sunday (16 October).

The Chairman of Kaduna State chapter of the party, Hon. Hassan Hyat had in a statement on Saturday said the planned consultative visit has been rescheduled to a later date.

Hyat explained that the postponement of the planned visit was as a result of consultations with political stakeholders and religious leaders of the zone after which the stakeholders resolved that a new date would be most suitable for the planned visit.
He added that “the PDP regrets any inconveniences this sudden change might cause and assures the good people of Southern Kaduna of Atiku’s commitment to meeting with the leaders and people of the zone as soon as a new and convenient date is fixed.”

However, different sources within the entourage of the candidate, disclosed to www.focusmagazinesoline.com that Atiku is currently undergoing medical attention and his activities have to be drastically reduced to allow him enough rest to avoid breaking down totally.
Atiku, 76, is contesting for the presidency a record sixth time, a journey he started since 1993.

The source further disclosed that “the rescheduling of Kebbi and Zamfara campaign rallies were partly due to the same reason”, though it was to also give the party the opportunity to see the possibility of resolving the rift between Wike and Atiku.

www.focusmagazinesoline.com (C2022)