Bola Tinubu is a prominent Nigerian politician, whose career has greatly influenced the political landscape of Nigeria. Known for his impactful leadership, Tinubu has been a pivotal figure, especially in Nigeria’s southwestern region. His work has garnered both national and international attention, solidifying his reputation as a key player in Nigerian politics.Â
Born on March 29, 1952, Tinubu’s early life provided the foundation for his extensive involvement in public service. His educational journey saw him attending reputable institutions, and his career began in the private sector before transitioning to politics. His rise in public office is a tale of resilience, strategic alliances, and an unwavering commitment to his political vision.
“Leadership is not about the next election; it’s about the next generation.” – Bola Tinubu
Aside from his political career, Tinubu is a family man. He is married to Oluremi Tinubu, who has also played significant roles in Nigeria’s political environment as a Senator. Together, they have nurtured a family that balances public service with personal commitments.
- Age: 71 Years
- Net Worth: Estimated to be in the millions
- Children: Multiple, including prominent figures in various sectors
- Wife: Oluremi Tinubu
- Hotel: Known affiliations with several reputable hotels Tinubu’s influence extends beyond politics. His business interests and affiliations with various establishments, including luxurious hotels, underscore his diverse portfolio. Whether you’re exploring his early years, his political ascension, or his personal life, Tinubu’s story is one of ambition, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of progress.
Upon his return to Nigeria, armed with extensive international experience in Financial Management, the young Bola Tinubu joined Mobil Producing Nigeria as a Senior Auditor, eventually retiring as the company’s Treasurer.
Early Life And Background
Known for being practical, charitable, and deeply connected to the grassroots, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu viewed community service as an essential tool for social development. He never hesitated to serve his community, leading numerous financial contributions and fundraising initiatives for community development programs in Lagos State. Tinubu also heads the Primrose Group, a political action organization dedicated to driving fundamental changes in the politics of Lagos State.
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu transitioned from a successful career at Mobil to a dedicated life of public service. He initially entered active politics as a founding member of the now-defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). By 1992, he had been elected as an Honourable Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the Lagos West Senatorial District. In the National Assembly, Tinubu made a name for himself as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Finance, Appropriation, and Currency – one of the Senate’s most influential committees.
With the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Nigerian Presidential Election and the subsequent increase in military control over Nigerian politics, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu became a founding member of the influential pro-democracy group, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). For many years, NADECO actively opposed the military dictaorship for the future of Nigeria. As a result, Tinubu faced numerous arrests, detentions, harassment, and constant threats to his life, eventually forcing him to leave Nigeria for his safety. Nevertheless, he remained committed to the cause, joining NADECO abroad to continue advocating for the restoration of democratic governance and the rule of law in the country.
Career And Life
In 1998, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Nigeria, heeding the call for national reconciliation and development. A year later, he began his two-term tenure as the elected Executive Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
For his outstanding tenure as the Executive Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu earned several prestigious accolades. These include the Best Governor in Nigeria for the Year 2000 awarded by the Nigerian-Belgian Chamber of Commerce, the 2002 Best Practices Prize for improving the living environment given by the Federal Ministry of Works and the UN Habitat Group, and the Year 2000 Best Computerized Government in Nigeria Award from the Computer Association of Nigeria. In recognition of his significant contributions to democracy, good governance, and the development of Nigeria, he was honored with an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree by Abia State University. Tinubu also holds numerous other chieftaincy titles and acts as a patron for various professional and social organizations.
As an adept political strategist, Tinubu successfully navigated the political landscape to become the sole re-elected Governor of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) among the South Western States of Nigeria, at a time when the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was making significant inroads. His tenure was marked by frequent clashes with the PDP-led Federal Government, particularly over his creation of 37 additional Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State. This contentious move led to a Supreme Court ruling in Tinubu’s favor, which compelled the Federal Government under President Olusegun Obasanjo to release the retained statutory funds allocated to Lagos State’s local governments.
Determined to continue his political influence, Tinubu played a critical role in founding the Action Congress (AC) as a successor to the diminished Alliance for Democracy (AD). By galvanizing like-minded individuals nationwide, he successfully established this new party with sound ideals and robust programs. In a remarkably short time, Tinubu transformed the Action Congress into a formidable opposition to the PDP.
His political journey took off in 1992 when he was elected to the Nigerian Senate, representing the Lagos West constituency during the brief Nigerian Third Republic. Following the annulment of the 12 June 1993 presidential elections, Tinubu co-founded the pro-democracy National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which championed the cause for democracy and the recognition of the 12 June results. Amidst the political turmoil, he went into exile in 1994 but made a notable return to Nigeria in 1998 after the death of military dictator Sani Abacha, signaling a shift towards civilian governance.
As the 1999 elections approached, Bola Tinubu emerged as a protégé of Alliance for Democracy (AD) stalwarts Abraham Adesanya and Ayo Adebanjo. He clinched the AD gubernatorial primaries for Lagos State, defeating competitors Funsho Williams and Wahab Dosunmu, an ex-Minister of Works and Housing. In April 1999, Tinubu contested for the position of Executive Governor of Lagos State under the AD banner and emerged victorious.
Upon taking office in May 1999, Bola Ahmed Tinubu vowed to build 10,000 housing units for the underprivileged. Throughout his two terms, he funneled substantial investments into the state’s educational sector. Additionally, he spearheaded new road construction projects to accommodate the rapidly increasing population of Lagos State.
The Oloye Tinubu, along with his new deputy governor Femi Pedro, secured re-election as Governor in April 2003. Interestingly, all other states in the South West were captured by the People’s Democratic Party.
He found himself embroiled in a contentious battle with the Federal government, disputing whether Lagos State had the authority to create new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to address its burgeoning population.
This clash led to the Federal government withholding funds designated for local councils in the state. In the latter part of his term, Tinubu was frequently at odds with influential PDP figures, including Adeseye Ogunlewe, who transitioned from a Lagos State senator to the minister of works, and Bode George, the southwest chairman of the PDP.
The relationship between Bola Tinubu and his deputy governor, Femi Pedro, became strained after Pedro expressed his intent to run in the gubernatorial elections. Although Pedro initially vied for the AC candidacy in the 2007 elections, he withdrew just before the party nomination and defected to the Labour Party, despite staying on as deputy governor. Tinubu’s tenure culminated on May 29, 2007, when Babatunde Fashola, his former Chief of Staff and an Action Congress member, succeeded him as Governor of Lagos State.
Today, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s remarkable legacy is carried forward by his successor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), who previously served as his Chief of Staff. The continuation of Tinubu’s exceptional policies has positioned the current Lagos State administration as a standout and a leading government in Nigeria. The Jagaban Borgu continues to make his mark on the country’s political landscape, staying committed to tackling challenging tasks and reducing poverty among his people.
After the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in the April 2007 elections, Bola Tinubu played a pivotal role in coordinating negotiations to unite the fragmented opposition parties into a “mega-party” capable of challenging the PDP in the 2011 elections. In July 2009, he advocated for the implementation of electoral reforms outlined in the Uwais report to ensure that the 2011 elections would be as free and fair as those in 1993. By December 2009, there were reports of a rift between Babatunde Fashola and Bola Tinubu over Fashola’s potential re-election in 2011, with Tinubu allegedly backing the Commissioner for Environment, Muiz Banire. Tinubu then co-founded a new party with Muhammadu Buhari, named the All Progressives Congress (APC), aiming to build a formidable force to challenge the ruling PDP.
In 2015, Tinubu’s vision materialized when the APC won the presidential elections and numerous other polls across the country. Tinubu is married to Oluremi Tinubu, the current Senator representing central Lagos State. Their youngest daughter, Abibat Tinubu, graduated from a music college in Boston, Massachusetts, USA in 2013.
Children, Family
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is married to Oluremi Tinubu, a 2 time Senator representing Lagos Centra now The First Lady Of Nigeria. She is well-known for her good taste and immense respect for the people of Lagos and her husband.
They have three children together: Oluwaseyi Tinubu, Abibat Tinubu, and Folashade Tinubu-Ojo. His youngest daughter, Abibat Tinubu, graduated from a music college in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, in 2013. Tinubu’s mother, Chief Abibatu Mogaji, passed away on June 15, 2013, at the age of 96. She was a prominent businesswoman and served as the President-General of the Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men. In a tragic turn, Tinubu also lost his son Jide Tinubu to cardiac arrest in London on October 31, 2017.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu net wort
Bola Tinubu, recognized as the second wealthiest politician in Nigeria, has an estimated net worth of $10 billion. His wealth spans an impressive collection of luxury cars, a private jet, and properties across the country.Â
Bola Tinubu stands as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished and esteemed leaders. A former governor of Lagos State, he played a pivotal role in combating corruption and enhancing infrastructure. His legacy is a testament to unparalleled leadership and dedication to progress.
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