By Adeyinka Adeniran
A leading aspirant for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK) has paid flowing tribute to President Bola Tinubu on the occasion of his 74th birthday.
The educationist who traced the political journey of the President from the dark political days to the seat of President of the country said Tinubu have fought for the masses when it was dangerous to do so, noting that his ascension to the Presidency of the country is the crowning glory of a man who refused to give up on the Nigerian dream.
In a personal message he signed, the philanthropist noted that the Jagaban brand of courage is why many people, including himself, have found a home in the APC, noting that he sees a captain who is not afraid of the storm because he knows exactly where the ship is headed.
Kareem said, “Your Excellency, to celebrate your birthday is to reflect on a life that is a masterclass in providential grace and unyielding resilience. You are a man clearly destined for greatness, a leader whose journey has been forged in the furnace of sacrifice.
“Tracing it from the dark days of the military era, where you stood as a bulwark for democracy, to your painful yet purposeful years in exile, you have consistently proven that your spirit cannot be broken.
“Your return to the Senate and your transformative tenure as the Governor of Lagos State were not just political milestones; they were the blueprints for a modern Nigeria.
“You have fought for the masses when it was dangerous to do so, and your ascension to the Presidency of our great country is the crowning glory of a man who refused to give up on the Nigerian dream.
“Your leadership of our great nation has been defined by a rare and courageous brand of statesmanship.
“Many leaders shy away from the ‘hard path’, but you chose to initiate the most difficult yet necessary reforms—from the unification of the foreign exchange market to the courageous removal of the fuel subsidy—all aimed at curing the structural defects of our economy. It takes a leader of immense conviction to prioritise the long-term survival of a nation over the convenient short-term political populism.
“This Jagaban brand of courage (as I will prefer to call it) is why many of us, including myself, have found a home in the All Progressives Congress (APC). We see a captain who is not afraid of the storm because he knows exactly where the ship is headed, and we are proud to align with a vision that prioritises the structural integrity of the Nigerian state.
“The magnetism of your leadership style is rooted in your profound love for the downtrodden and the masses. Despite the high-level policy reforms, your heart remains firmly with the common man on the street. Whether through the expansion of social investment programs or the intentional focus on grassroots economic stimulation, you have demonstrated that the Renewed Hope agenda is a covenant with the poor.
“This is the reason why the APC continues to grow in strength. Nigerians see a President who is authentically invested in their welfare. You have turned the presidency into a laboratory of possibilities, and you’re constantly proving that with the right political will, the challenges that have plagued us for decades can finally be addressed.
“As an aspirant for the governorship of Oyo State, I draw daily inspiration from your “mentor-leader” philosophy. You are a builder of men and an architect of institutions. Your ability to assemble the best brains to solve the most complex problems is a trait I seek to emulate as we prepare to restore the Pacesetter glory to Oyo state.
“You have shown us that politics is about strategy, endurance and, ultimately, the delivery of value to the people. Your journey from a pro-democracy activist to the Commander-in-Chief is as a constant reminder that the path to true leadership is paved with patience and a clear, unwavering vision.
“I join millions of Nigerians and the global community in praying for you, Mr. President. May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom and strength as you continue to navigate the affairs of our complex yet promising nation. We pray for your continued good health, a sound mind, and the divine fortitude to see your reforms through to their glorious conclusion.
“Under your leadership, may Nigeria witness a season of unprecedented peace, economic buoyancy, and global respect. Happy Birthday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. May your years be long, and may your legacy be etched in gold in the annals of African history.”
