Tinubu at 74: Ex-Spokesman Ngelale Reflects on President’s Leadership, Mentorship

A former presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, has paid glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 74th birthday, describing him as a “great teacher” and strategic leader whose influence continues to shape his life years after leaving office.

In a reflective message marking the president’s birthday, Ngelale recounted his time serving under Tinubu, emphasizing that the true value of leadership lies not only in immediate achievements but in the lasting impact of mentorship and knowledge transfer.

He noted that Tinubu possesses a rare ability to deeply understand people within his sphere of influence — their strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and potential contributions — likening the president’s leadership style to that of a gardener nurturing seeds to full growth.

Drawing from personal experience, the former envoy said his early days in government were marked by a strong desire to quickly solve problems, a mindset Tinubu helped reshape through guidance rooted in patience, timing, and strategic execution.

According to him, the president taught that effective leadership goes beyond identifying problems or having the will to solve them, stressing that lasting solutions require careful sequencing, foresight, and an understanding of complex, multi-phase challenges.

Ngelale revealed that during his tenure, he was entrusted with significant responsibilities, including serving as the voice of the president and acting as a special envoy on global issues at a relatively young age. He said many of the lessons from that period have only become clearer over time, particularly in his current role as a private sector leader and father.

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He described Tinubu as a leader whose rise to power was shaped by merit, resilience, and performance rather than connections, adding that Nigeria is fortunate to have such leadership at a critical point in its history.

The former spokesman also acknowledged other figures who influenced his development, including the late media mogul Raymond Dokpesi and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, but maintained that Tinubu’s teachings on strategy and execution remain the most profound.

He concluded by expressing gratitude to the president for his mentorship and prayed for continued strength and wisdom as Tinubu leads Nigeria toward greater prominence on the African and global stage.