The Traffic

TRIBUTE TO LATE PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

By Sunday Dare 

In  2014 after the APC merger was consummated, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, my boss detailed me to close mark late President Buhari and to pay close attention to media currents for and against then candidate particularly in the South West. The truth however is that only one man was atop all media narratives and told us what to do.  The APC Primaries in Lagos was a battle ahead. Only one man deserved it. And one man was determined to deliver it.
The draft speech to the delegates by late President Buhari caught his attention. When he saw the draft speech, “Letter to the Delegates”  by Late President Buhari to the APC, President directed that I do a re-write immediately. Upon his review and approval, it was sent forward. This was the birth of the famous phrase, “… I can’t give you a pocketful of dollars or naira to purchase your support. Even if I could, I would not do so.What I will give you, and this nation is all of my strength, commitment, sweat and toil in the service of the people.  What I can give you is my all.” The rest is now history. 

It was my distinct honour and privilege to serve under President Muhammadu Buhari during his second term. His confidence in appointing me to serve in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development reflected not just his trust, but his deep belief in empowering Nigeria’s young people and repositioning sports as a tool for national pride, unity, and development. I saw, up close, the depth of his commitment to the youth of this country and his quiet but determined passion for service.

In life, as now in death, President Muhammadu Buhari towers still. His memory looms large, a figure carved permanently into the conscience of our nation. Nigeria mourns not just a former leader, but the passing of a symbol: of discipline, of simplicity, of integrity. In losing him, Nigeria has lost a moral compass; a leader whose life was a study in probity, restraint, patriotism, and unwavering service.

President Muhammadu Buhari was, in every sense, a leader. His dedication to this country was neither theatrical nor fleeting; it was silent, steady, and sacrificial. He served Nigeria with clarity of purpose and a commitment that never wavered through the storms of governance. His sincerity and simplicity remain unmistakable, even now in death.

Those of us who worked closely with him will remember his quiet but firm encouragement. He did not indulge in long speeches or empty praise; instead, he gave you the space and responsibility to deliver on your mandate, trusting you to rise to the occasion. I will forever cherish those moments of private counsel, his measured words, and his unmistakable sense of duty.

President Buhari was a steadfast pillar of support for Youth and Sports Development. Under his watch, the long-awaited Nigeria Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) finally saw the light of day, a landmark reform aimed at unlocking the enormous potential of sports as an economic driver.

His love for football was legendary, and it was no surprise that he approved Nigeria’s 10-Year Football Master Plan, a blueprint for rebuilding our football from the grassroots to global glory. He never once turned his back on requests for intervention funds for youth empowerment or for the advancement of sports. His belief in the potential of young Nigerians was not in words alone but demonstrated in policies and actions.

Through initiatives like the DEEL program, he supported efforts to give young Nigerians practical skills to help them succeed, skills in digital technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership, helping them face the future with confidence.

President Buhari was a man of uncommon discipline and unwavering patriotism. His leadership style was defined by a quiet strength, one anchored in integrity, accountability, and service. He led not by theatrics, but by results. He listened. Not flippantly, but deeply. He spoke. Not often, but with clarity and conviction. 1/2

In the lead-up to the general elections of 2023, we witnessed the strength of his character more clearly than ever. He placed the interests of Nigeria above all else. Amidst all the subterfuge and assaults on our democracy, he remained firm, standing by the constitution, upholding the sanctity of the ballot, and keeping faith with democracy when it mattered most. His restraint, where others would have yielded to pressure, remains a hallmark of his statesmanship. He demonstrated that power could be held, but must ultimately be returned to the people.

His life was a masterclass in public service. On behalf of the thousands of Nigerian youth and sportsmen and women whose lives were shaped, touched, and improved by his administration, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Buhari family and to the nation he served with such fierce devotion.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who led this nation from 2015 to 2023, leaves behind more than memories; he leaves behind an example of sacrifice, service, and selflessness.

And to our President, H.E Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I extend my condolences. You stood by Late President Muhammadu Buhari through the years without wavering. The Civilian Soldier, met the Soldier- turned Civilian in the battle to enhance the Nigerian project and Renew the Hope of Nigeria. That journey continues.

Rest well, Soldier.
Your watch is done. Fare thee well, Mr President.