By Ibrahim Kegbdgbe
Former Presidential Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has paid a heartfelt tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a father, mentor, and the ‘last man standing’ in the political landscape of Nigeria.
In a message shared via his social media handle, Ngelale reflected on his journey working under President Tinubu, revealing how his perception of the Nigerian leader evolved from mere admiration to a deep sense of mentorship and personal connection.
“On my first day serving in the present government, I only knew H.E. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as my President. My Boss. The leader of our great nation, Nigeria,” Ngelale stated.
He recounted that despite being actively involved in the campaign, he had only met Tinubu on two brief occasions before assuming his role in the administration. However, working closely with the President opened his eyes to Tinubu’s exceptional leadership qualities.
“I could not have known then that I would find in him my most profound mentor and nothing less than a father in the truest sense of the word,” he added.
Ngelale extolled Tinubu’s resilience, recalling how the President earned the moniker ‘The Last Man Standing’ due to his unwavering determination and ability to overcome political adversities.
“The last man standing does not merely describe a man who heroically campaigned across all nooks of our federation against institutional forces who conspired to deny our population its currency and fuel,” he wrote, referencing the economic and political challenges that marked Tinubu’s path to the presidency.
Beyond politics, Ngelale portrayed Tinubu as a leader who stands by his allies, offering guidance and support even in the toughest times.
“For those who have the rare privilege of knowing him, he is the last man standing in your corner when all odds are stacked against you; rooting you on and guiding you to success.”
He also highlighted key leadership lessons he had learned from Tinubu, stating, “Daddy taught me that the cost and value of rigorous mentorship is the price of a glorious future and that it is only paid back once it is paid forward to the next generation.”
Ngelale further emphasized Tinubu’s approach to leadership, noting his patience, strategic restraint, and persuasive power as qualities that set him apart.
“Daddy taught me that appropriate patience and strategic restraint will defeat hard power. Daddy taught me that consistent persuasion born out of sincere conviction will break the coercive grip of those who beguile and bully others into submission.”
In conclusion, he expressed profound gratitude to the President for his mentorship, praying for his continued strength and wisdom to lead Nigeria toward prosperity.
“May God Almighty strengthen you with divine wisdom, peace, health, and all that is required of you to deliver the country of our dreams. Happy Birthday,” Ngelale wrote.
Background on Ajuri Ngelale Ajuri Ngelale, a seasoned journalist and media professional, served as the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity before his resignation in 2024. A former broadcaster with Channels Television, Ngelale gained prominence for his articulate and passionate defense of government policies. His tenure in government saw him play a key role in communicating Tinubu’s vision and policies to the public, earning him recognition as one of the administration’s most vocal advocates.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was sworn in as Nigeria’s President on May 29, 2023, following his victory in the February 2023 general elections.
As tributes pour in from across the nation to celebrate his 73rd birthday, Ngelale’s message stands out as a deeply personal and reflective account of Tinubu’s impact beyond politics, capturing the essence of the man he regards as a father and mentor.
