In the heat of the last general election, like many Nigerians, I made my choice at the ballot box based on my convictions at the time.
I must admit that I did not vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. My reason then was simple: I believed he would have nothing substantial to offer the nation at a time Nigeria desperately needed bold leadership and transformative ideas.
However, leadership must always be judged not only by campaign rhetoric but by actions taken in office.
As the months have gone by, I have taken it upon myself to closely study the President’s programme and policy reforms. Day after day, I find myself becoming increasingly convinced that President Tinubu may indeed mean well for Nigeria.
While many of the reforms have sparked intense debate across the country, one thing has become clear to me: the administration appears determined to confront some of the structural challenges that have for decades, held Nigeria by the jugular
Difficult reforms are rarely popular, but they are sometimes necessary if a nation is to reset its economic direction and build a more sustainable future.
That said, there is still much work to be done. Security remains a major concern for millions of Nigerians. From insurgency in parts of the North-East to banditry and kidnapping in several regions, the government must intensify efforts to ensure that every citizen feels safe in their homes, farms, and businesses.
Economic reforms can only achieve their full potential in an atmosphere of stability and security.
One decision by the president that particularly caught my attention is the appointment of Professor Taiwo Oyedele to a key role in shaping the nation’s fiscal and economic policy.
For those who know him personally and professionally, this appointment sends a powerful signal.
Professor Oyedele is widely respected for his competence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The Oyedele that I know personally is not someone who leaves any stone unturned when it comes to solving complex problems. He is meticulous, disciplined, and deeply committed to public service. More importantly, he is not corrupt. In fact, he is one of the most upright individuals I have ever come across in my life.
Nigeria’s economic challenges require individuals who possess not only technical knowledge but also the moral courage to push through necessary reforms.
With someone of Professor Oyedele’s calibre in the president’s team, there is reason to believe that the engine of governance—particularly in the area of economic reform—is being revved up in the right direction.
The road ahead will not be easy. Rebuilding an economy as large and complex as Nigeria’s requires patience, consistency, and political will.
But if the administration continues to surround itself with capable and principled individuals, the chances of meaningful progress will only increase.
Today, I find myself reassessing my earlier skepticism. While I did not support President Tinubu at the polls, I must acknowledge that some of the decisions taken so far suggest a seriousness of purpose.
It is still early days, and Nigerians will continue to expect more results, particularly in the area of security.
Nonetheless, credit must be given where it is due. With reform-minded individuals like Professor Taiwo Oyedele playing a role in shaping economic policy, there is renewed hope that Nigeria can begin to get it right as a nation.
For this reason, I say: kudos to the president.
OBADOFIN ADEMOLA
