Awolowo Prize: President Tinubu Says Only Time Can Define Decisions Of A True Leader

In the wake of the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina receiving the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, President Bola Tinubu said only time can define the decisions of a true leader.

Speaking on Wednesday at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Tinubu praised the qualities of the first premier of the western region Chief Obafemi Awolowo, emphasizing that his principles have stood strong over time and across different regions in Nigeria.

The president noted that Awolowo's teachings involve acknowledging the hidden challenges of leadership such as "overcoming the conspiracies of mischief-makers, skeptics, and saboteurs," as per the official X handle (formerly known as Twitter).

"Time sifts through biases and lies, and through hidden agendas and propaganda. Time delivers to us the naked truth that defines the tough decisions and sacrifices every sincere leader must make to create a difference," he said.

He added, "But, in all we do, we must always find strength in the belief of those who trust the process, those who give us the benefit of the doubt. There is no greater honor than the privilege to lead one's people, and assuming a position of leadership during times of turbulence is the ultimate test of our mettle as leaders."

The President noted Awolowo faced multiple challenges from both within and outside his political party, recalling that a great leader became a target due to his ambition to bring about positive change and was confronted by a hostile opposition, ultimately leading to his imprisonment.

Tinubu himself has been targeted multiple times due to his decision to remove the fuel subsidy that led to the economic crisis in the country.

In a few months after the president took over the office in May 2023, the situation became so bad that in July thousands of Nigerians attacked the NEMA warehouses in Kaduna and Adamawa states.

During the rampage, at least four people were shot dead by the security operatives and 47 were arrested. A similar incident was recorded earlier this week when Nigerian residents looted a government warehouse in the country's capital Abuja City to grab food items.