Bola Ahmed Tinubu, popularly refered to as jagaban, is a prominent Nigerian politician, businessman, and the current President of Nigeria, having assumed office on May 29, 2023. Born on March 29, 1952, in Lagos, Nigeria, Tinubu has had a significant impact on Nigerian politics, particularly in Lagos State and on the national stage.
Early Life and Education
Tinubu was born into a prominent Yoruba family in Lagos. He attended primary education at St. John's Primary School, Aroloya, Lagos, and Children's Home School in Ibadan. For his secondary education, he went to Government College, Ibadan. He later moved to the United States, where he studied at Richard J. Daley College in Chicago, Illinois, before transferring to Chicago State University. He graduated in 1979 with a degree in Accounting.
Early Career
After his education, Tinubu worked for several American companies, including Arthur Andersen, Haskins, and Sells (which later merged with Deloitte), and GTE Services Corporation. He returned to Nigeria in the early 1980s and worked with Mobil Oil Nigeria, where he eventually became an executive.
Political Career
Tinubu's political career began in the early 1990s. He was elected as a Senator for the Lagos West Constituency in Lagos State in 1993. However, his term was cut short by the military coup of General Sani Abacha. During the period of military rule, Tinubu became an advocate for the return to civilian democracy and was a founding member of the pro-democracy National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).
Governor of Lagos State
In 1999, after Nigeria's return to civilian rule, Tinubu was elected Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). He served two terms from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure, he implemented several reforms that significantly transformed Lagos State, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, education, and healthcare. His administration is credited with modernizing Lagos and laying the foundation for its current status as a megacity.
National Politics
After leaving office as governor, Tinubu remained a significant political figure. He played a crucial role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, which became a major political force in Nigeria. His influence was instrumental in the election of Muhammadu Buhari as President in 2015 and 2019.
Presidency
In 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected President of Nigeria, succeeding Muhammadu Buhari. His presidency has focused on economic reform, security, and addressing corruption.PL9ersonal Life
Tinubu is married to Oluremi Tinubu, a senator representing Lagos Central. They have several children. His political career has not been without controversy, including allegations of corruption and questions about his wealth and educational background. Despite these challenges, Tinubu remains a significant figure in Nigerian politics, often referred to as the "Jagaban" of Nigerian politics. We pray that his leadership becomes a turning point in Nigeria economy