This article is inspired by a desire to explore the origins, evolution, and sometimes the absence of inclusive leadership in Nigeria, alongside the significant impact this leadership style has had on the country’s progress.
For context, amala-a traditional delicacy crafted from yam flour-is deeply rooted in Yoruba culture. Over the years, it has transcended ethnic boundaries to become a beloved dish among diverse urban populations across Nigeria.
Looking back at the 2023 presidential election, Bola Tinubu secured victory with roughly 8.8 million votes. This was notably less than the nearly 15.2 million votes received by his predecessor, the late Muhammadu Buhari, in the 2019 polls.
Beginning his administration with modest popular support, Tinubu’s approval ratings have gradually improved. This rise is not attributed to temporary relief efforts like direct food aid but rather to decisive economic reforms designed for sustainable growth. Among these were the elimination of the petrol subsidy and the harmonization of Nigeria’s previously fragmented currency exchange rates.
These reforms have successfully ended fuel shortages, bolstered by private sector initiatives such as the Dangote Refinery, which produces 650,000 barrels daily. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, foreign reserves have risen from an official $33 billion-though some estimates suggested as low as $3.7 billion-to a robust $43 billion, sufficient to cover nearly a year’s worth of imports.
Additionally, the federation account has been replenished with trillions of naira, empowering state and local governments to fund grassroots development initiatives.
Consequently, overdue salaries for civil servants, which had been outstanding for over a year, have been disbursed. Subnational governments are now investing in critical infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, healthcare facilities, and affordable housing across various communities.
Despite these advancements, the cost of living remains a significant challenge-a common lag before economic reforms translate into tangible relief for citizens. Economists highlight promising indicators such as a 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025, improved Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), and a deceleration in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), all signaling positive economic momentum. However, these technical metrics often feel detached from the daily realities of many Nigerians, who continue to grapple with financial strain, fostering skepticism about official narratives of recovery.
In his Independence Day address, President Tinubu asserted that the economy had “turned the corner,” implying that the nation’s most difficult hurdles were behind it. He echoed this optimism during the reopening of the National Arts Theatre, which was renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture.
Through these platforms, the president seeks to convey that the stringent austerity measures-such as subsidy removal and currency unification, which curtailed fuel smuggling and financial arbitrage-were necessary short-term sacrifices to secure a prosperous future.
Nevertheless, many Nigerians remain unconvinced, weighed down by rising expenses and demanding concrete proof that their hardships are easing, reminiscent of the biblical figure Doubting Thomas, who required tangible evidence of Christ’s resurrection.
Given decades of unfulfilled promises, this mistrust is understandable. The Federal Ministry of Information and its state counterparts have struggled to clearly articulate how GDP, PPP, and CPI impact everyday life. Accelerating the delivery of reform benefits and simplifying these economic concepts-explaining why delays occur and how multiple factors must align to alleviate hardship-could reduce public frustration and foster greater acceptance of government initiatives.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), known for campaigns like “I’m a true Nigerian… I live by the citizen’s code,” now faces a pivotal role. For instance, respected legal scholar Prof. Itse Sagay and others have criticized the Independence Day speech for being disconnected from societal realities. NOA-led efforts that connect GDP growth to tangible improvements-such as the affordability of staple foods-could help ease public discontent.
This moment calls for a strategic pivot: engaging both elites and everyday citizens in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda through transparent, consistent communication that emphasizes accomplishments rather than defensiveness.
A notable milestone is the restoration of the National Theatre, constructed in 1976-16 years after Nigeria’s independence-which had fallen into neglect. Approximately five years ago, Nigeria’s leading banks spearheaded efforts to revive this iconic FESTAC ’77 landmark, preventing it from fading into obscurity.
The Bankers Committee’s generous backing culminated in the theatre’s reopening in late 2024, coinciding with the 65th anniversary celebrations in Lagos. This cultural renaissance replaced the traditional military parades and school processions usually held at Lagos’s Tafawa Balewa Square and Abuja’s Eagle Square.
Following its refurbishment, the theatre was renamed in honor of Prof. Wole Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel laureate in literature, now aged 91. President Tinubu framed this tribute as recognition of their shared fight against military dictatorship to restore democracy. Unfortunately, some online detractors have labeled Soyinka a hypocrite, overlooking his candid acceptance speech where he acknowledged initial hesitations about personal honors but made an exception due to his profound connection to the theatre’s history before its decline.
Despite his openness, critics persist. Regrettably, disparaging a globally respected intellectual reflects a broader trend among younger generations who often disregard the wisdom of their elders.
There is no valid objection to dedicating a cultural landmark to a Nobel laureate who was imprisoned before the 1967 civil war for attempting to broker peace between Nigeria and Biafra, even though his efforts ultimately did not succeed.
Significantly, my recent book, Leading from the Streets: Media Interventions by a Public Intellectual, 1999-2009, recounts the historic post-war reunion between General Yakubu Gowon and his former detainee Soyinka-the jailer and the jailed-symbolizing reconciliation across generations.
Although Soyinka was absent, Gowon referred to him as his “guest” in a speech that subtly acknowledged their shared history while emphasizing their mutual commitment to peace.
Wole Soyinka’s lasting contributions to Nigeria’s unity and democratic resilience are indisputable. I urge online critics to set aside their animosity and allow “Kongi”-his affectionate nickname from the novel Kongi’s Harvest-to enjoy the peace he has rightfully earned.
To be continued tomorrow.
Onyibe is an entrepreneur and public policy analyst writing from Lagos.