Change your negative view about Africa, Tinubu tells world leaders

Change your negative view about Africa, Tinubu tells world leaders

“We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday 6 January 2025, urged world leaders to change their negative perception of Africa.

According to him, African leaders are working hard for the prosperity of their respective countries.

He called for collaborative efforts to tackle social and economic malaise plaguing the continent.

Speaking as a special guest of honour at the inauguration of John Dramani Mahama as Ghana’s 12th president in Accra yesterday, President Tinubu said: “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.

“With  focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress.”

Mahama, president of the country between 2012 and 2017, returned to power after taking his oath of office before many dignitaries from Africa and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Many heads of state were in Accra for the event. These include: Presidents William Ruto (Kenya), Julius Maada Bio (Sierra Leone), Bassirou Diomaye Faye (Senegal), Felix Tshisekedi (Congo DR), Paul Kagame (Rwandan), Brice Oligui Nguema (Gabon), and Mamadi Doumbouya (Guinea).

Other dignitaries include United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa Lord Collins, Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traore, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, former Ghanaian Presidents John Kuffor and Nana Akufo-Addo, former Nigeria’s Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, former Ghanaian First Lady Mrs. Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and wife of immediate past Vice President Mrs. Samira Bawumia.

Foreign delegations, envoys, industry leaders, politicians and traditional rulers also witnessed the event.

President Tinubu was accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu.

Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Babagana Zulum (Borno), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun) were at the event as well as the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga.

Mahama succeeded Akufo-Addo, who stepped down after serving two terms.

He polled over 50 per cent of the votes, a landmark President Tinubu said reflected the deepening of democracy in Africa.

“Today, I am here, not only as the President of Nigeria, but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people,” he said.

The President described Mahama’s inauguration as a source of pride and honour for Ghanaians, Africa, and the Diaspora.

He added: “We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another.

“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.”

President Tinubu said as Ghana drew inspiration and strength from its first leader, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and other past leaders, Nigeria also drew inspiration from its founding leaders, who fought for her independence and cherished the close relationship between the two nations.

He added: “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.”

Hailing Ghanaias for electing Mahama,  President Tinubu said: “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.”

He expressed confidence that the new government under Mahama would work with Nigeria to strengthen the powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for the citizens of the countries.

President Tinubu stressed: “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.”

Assuring the Ghanaian leader of his support, Tinubu said: “President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you.

“You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken.

“It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly.

“It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria, and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves.

“We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves.”

He said African nations would stand firm against external forces seeking to disrupt their unity. Read More