Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Tinubu has the leadership qualities required to steer Nigeria towards meaningful progress and national fulfilment.
Speaking at the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture titled “The Nigeria of Our Dreams”, held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Wike highlighted the importance of visionary leadership in confronting the country’s longstanding developmental challenges.
He argued that Nigeria’s greatest obstacle over the decades has been a persistent failure of leadership, echoing the sentiments of literary icon Chinua Achebe, who once noted that Nigeria’s primary issue lies in the absence of effective and sincere governance.
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“Our leadership history is plagued by narrow interests, both under military and civilian regimes,” Wike said.
“Those who have emerged in positions of power often prioritised self-preservation over the collective good.”
However, the minister praised Tinubu as a significant departure from that trend.
According to him, the President has demonstrated the decisiveness, resilience, and strategic mindset necessary to drive reforms and unlock Nigeria’s full potential.
He described Tinubu as a leader willing to make tough but necessary decisions—pointing to the immediate removal of fuel subsidy upon assuming office.
“While many past leaders recognised the dangers of the subsidy regime, none summoned the courage to end it. Tinubu did,” Wike said.
He noted that the removal, though controversial, has started yielding fiscal benefits, allowing states greater access to resources, reducing national debt accumulation, and enabling more efficient economic regulation.
Wike also commended efforts under the current administration to decentralise power and resources, citing the creation of regional development commissions as a strategic move to return governance closer to the people.
On security, the minister revealed that Tinubu had prioritised investment in personnel and infrastructure, with initiatives such as the nationwide recruitment of forest guards aimed at tackling rural banditry and terrorism more effectively.
“These reforms show a clear determination to reposition Nigeria on the path of genuine development,” Wike added.
He further emphasised that the country needs a leader who combines courage, foresight, and inclusivity—qualities he believes Tinubu embodies.
“To build the Nigeria we envision, leadership must be grounded in action, excellence, and an unshakeable belief in our national potential,” he said.
Earlier in the programme, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, described Wike as a forthright and courageous leader whose impact in the FCT has been transformative.
The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Bamire, said the theme of the lecture was timely, especially as the nation confronts pressing questions about democratic governance, civic trust, and national development.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who attended as the Royal Father of the Day, praised Wike’s fearless approach to politics, describing him as a rare leader who speaks truth to power.
“Whether you like him or not, he stands by his convictions,” the monarch said.
