President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the commitment of African leaders to eradicating poverty and building resilient economies at their own pace, emphasizing that their primary obligation is to their people.
Tinubu made these remarks on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana, where he attended the swearing-in ceremony of Ghana’s new President, John Mahama, as a Special Guest of Honour.
“We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have found the critical path to our success. We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace,” Tinubu declared.
Tinubu highlighted the significance of Mahama’s inauguration, describing it as a moment of pride for Ghanaians, Africa, and the global African diaspora.
“We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another,” Tinubu said.
He praised the event as more than a political milestone, stating, “This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society. It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly.”
Drawing parallels between Ghana’s and Nigeria’s histories, Tinubu noted that both nations have drawn strength and inspiration from their founding leaders, who not only secured independence but also fostered close relationships between the two countries.
“May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders. Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that,” he said.
Tinubu praised Mahama as a leader of “patriotic vision and substance,” committed to his nation’s welfare and mission. “Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfil it. No one can ask more of a leader than that,” Tinubu said.
The Nigerian President expressed confidence that Mahama’s administration would foster closer ties between Ghana and Nigeria, leading to shared prosperity.
“I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress. Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing sub-regional integration and progress,” Tinubu remarked.
He stressed the need for collective focus on addressing pressing issues such as poverty, youth unemployment, instability, and insurgency across Africa.
“With focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress,” Tinubu added.
