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 prioritise 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
