Wike lauds President Tinubu’s servant leadership, citing reforms and development initiatives that ensure Nigeria’s sustainable growth and progress

At the 2026 Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture Series in Abuja, Nyesom Wike lauded President Bola Tinubu for his purposeful and servant-oriented leadership, which he said is driving Nigeria toward sustainable growth and inclusive development.

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The lecture was organized by the Faculty of Social Science, Yakubu Gowon University, under the theme “Exemplary Leadership and Infrastructural Development in Nigeria; Between Dividends of Democrats and Good Governance.”

Wike highlighted Tinubu’s long-standing commitment to democracy, noting that his tenure in Lagos State demonstrated a proven capacity to translate vision into tangible development, particularly in areas such as internally generated revenue, infrastructure, and institutional reform.

The former Rivers State Governor praised Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy as a courageous reform aimed at freeing resources for subnational development, curbing unsustainable debt, and restoring market discipline to the energy sector.

He emphasized that leadership requires the endurance of short-term unpopularity for long-term national interest.

Wike further stressed the importance of citizen cooperation, stating that national transformation depends on the synergy between leadership and responsible followership.

“With purposeful political leadership and responsible citizenship working in concert, Nigeria can begin the serious task of institutionalizing a political order in which democracy delivers development,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Hakeem Fawehonmi, described the lecture series as a key platform for critical discourse on national issues.

Former EFCC Coordinating Director, Prof Aminu Gusau, also praised Wike as a public servant with a record of visible transformation and accelerated project delivery in Abuja.

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The event further featured Prof Mutiullah Olasupo, who highlighted Wike’s political resilience and contribution to democratic governance and infrastructural development in Nigeria.