Amanze Chinonye
Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on Saturday marked his 60th birthday with a leadership symposium in Abuja, drawing prominent political figures across party lines and renewing calls for national unity, credible leadership and democratic renewal.
The event, deliberately framed as a forum for reflection rather than festivity, attracted former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former Speakers of the House of Representatives Aminu Masari, Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara, as well as serving and former governors and other national stakeholders.
Speaking at the symposium, Tambuwal warned that Nigeria is in peril, stressing that the country’s worsening political, economic and security challenges require collective action beyond partisan boundaries. He said the occasion was not about celebrating personal achievements but about charting a path toward democratic consolidation and national recovery.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“This is not about me; it is about our country,” Tambuwal said, urging leaders and citizens to recommit to the ideals of unity, accountability and good governance.
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In a goodwill message delivered at the event, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi described the gathering as “a clarion call for unity and service to our beloved nation.” Obi said the future of Nigeria depends on collective strength and the ability of leaders to forge consensus in the face of mounting national challenges.
“The future of Nigeria depends on our collective strength. Now is the time to unite and address the troubling challenges facing our nation,” Obi said.
Obi praised Tambuwal’s leadership, saying it was defined not by the length of time spent in office but by a consistent commitment to doing what is right. He described the senator as “a bulwark for a united Nigeria” and commended his focus on education, healthcare and agriculture, noting that meaningful leadership is anchored on investing in people and productivity.
Reflecting on his travels across the country, Obi said Nigeria’s vast potential continues to be undermined by disunity and ineffective leadership. He argued that with unity and competent governance, the country could transition from consumption to production, strengthen agriculture and manufacturing, and tackle poverty, corruption and insecurity.
Former President Obasanjo, in his remarks, recalled Tambuwal’s emergence as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011, describing him as a product of legislative independence and political courage.
Jonathan, who addressed the gathering virtually, acknowledged past tensions between the executive and legislature during Tambuwal’s tenure as Speaker but credited him with maintaining stability and institutional balance.
Other speakers described Tambuwal as a committed democrat and bridge-builder, highlighting his service as Speaker of the House of Representatives (2011–2015) and Governor of Sokoto State (2015–2023).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also sent a goodwill message, commending Tambuwal’s years of service to the nation and wishing him well as he joins the ranks of senior statesmen.
Tambuwal, who currently serves as a senator, said turning 60 marked an opportunity to renew his commitment to public service and to the pursuit of policies that promote unity, inclusion and national development.
The symposium ended on a sober note, with participants agreeing that Tambuwal’s 60th birthday had evolved into a platform for national introspection and dialogue, amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s democratic future.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
