Tinubu's 73rd Birthday: Ajuri Ngelale Celebrates And Reflects On Mentorship

A Heartfelt Tribute on Tinubu's 73rd Birthday

Naija News brings you the heartfelt tribute from Ajuri Ngelale, the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as he celebrates the President's 73rd birthday. Ajuri, who stepped aside from his position in September 2024 to handle pressing family medical matters, took to his 𝕏 platform to express his gratitude and admiration for the President.

From Mentorship to Paternal Guidance: Tinubu's Impact on Ngelale

Ajuri described Tinubu not just as a leader but as a mentor and a father figure. He reflected on the invaluable lessons he learned from the President, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and its role in shaping the future. Tinubu, according to Ngelale, is the "last man standing" in one's corner when the odds seem insurmountable, guiding and encouraging individuals toward success.

In his post, Ngelale shared that on his first day in the current administration, he saw Tinubu merely as his President and boss. However, over time, he came to realize that Tinubu was much more—a profound mentor and a father figure in the truest sense. The President, known for his resilience and leadership, has been a guiding light in Ngelale's life.

Read also:

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu The Story Behind His Success And Net Worth

Lessons Learned: The Cost and Value of Mentorship

Ngelale expressed that Tinubu taught him the cost and value of rigorous mentorship, highlighting that it is an investment in the future. He emphasized the importance of passing this mentorship forward to the next generation, ensuring the cycle of growth and development continues. Tinubu's teachings also included the power of patience, strategic restraint, and the ability of sincere conviction to overcome coercive forces.

In his birthday message, Ajuri wrote: “My Father, My President, Happy Birthday.” He continued, “On my first day serving in the present government, I only knew H.E. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as my President, my boss, and the leader of our great nation, Nigeria. I had not yet had the privilege of being around him closely, except on two brief occasions before that day, despite actively campaigning for him.

He further stated, “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. The President has been nicknamed the Last Man Standing. This nickname doesn't merely describe a man who heroically campaigned across all corners of our federation against institutional forces conspiring against our population. It also doesn't merely describe him as the perpetual winner, triumphant over perpetual candidates, having won every election he's participated in since his school days. For those fortunate enough to know him, he is the last man standing in your corner when all odds are stacked against you, rooting for you and guiding you to success.”

A Career Crossroads: Ngelale's Departure

It's worth noting that Ngelale's departure from his position was not without its challenges. According to Premium Times, Ngelale stepped aside after becoming suspicious that he might be humiliated out of office. He held two pivotal roles simultaneously—special adviser to the president on media and publicity, and special presidential envoy on climate action/chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

Sources indicated that the presidency directed him to focus solely on his climate action role, while another individual was appointed to serve as the media adviser and spokesperson to the president. When Ngelale expressed his preference to retain the media adviser position while stepping down from the climate change role, the presidency declined his request.

Those familiar with the situation revealed that he was informed he could remain on the president’s media team but would still have to report to a new appointee in the position. This exchange, along with subsequent events in the presidential villa, left Ngelale unsettled. For weeks, he was blocked from meeting Mr. Tinubu and was also excluded from the president’s delegation to China, according to sources speaking to Premium Times.

Read also:

Michael Mitnicks Journey Unpacking His 2024 Net Worth And Career Highlights

Despite these challenges, Ngelale's tribute on Tinubu's birthday reflects the deep respect and admiration he holds for the President, showcasing the lasting impact of Tinubu's mentorship and leadership.