President Bola Tinubu has emphasized Africaβs capacity to overcome poverty and build a prosperous future on its own terms.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour during the swearing-in ceremony of Ghanaβs newly inaugurated President, John Dramani Mahama, in Accra, he praised the countryβs peaceful democratic transition as a testament to the continentβs progress, urging critics to stop questioning Africaβs potential.
In his remarks, Tinubu affirmed Africaβs determination to shape its destiny.
βWe shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace,β he declared.
βWe have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have found the critical path to our success.β
While President Mahamaβs inauguration marked his return to leadership, Tinubuβs presence at the ceremony underscored Nigeriaβs commitment to strengthening ties with Ghana and other African nations in pursuit of a brighter future for the continent.
The Nigerian leader lauded Ghanaβs democratic journey as a beacon for the continent.
βThis moment does more than symbolize another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society. It lays to rest the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavors,β Tinubu said.
Describing the occasion as historic, President Tinubu likened Ghana to a βBlack star rising high in the African sky,β symbolizing unity, hope, and a shared destiny across the country.
He urged African nations to strengthen their bonds of brotherhood and resist external forces that seek to divide them.
βWhile others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pitted against brother, that shining star reminds us of who we are and, better yet, who we can be. We shall always strive to work together. Even when we disagree, we shall dialogue and discuss until we reach an agreement.β
Tinubu congratulated President Mahama on his return to power, describing him as a leader of βpatriotic vision and substanceβ with a deep commitment to his nationβs progress.
He pledged Nigeriaβs support to Ghana, emphasizing the unbreakable bond between the two West African nations.
βPresident Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeriaβs support and goodwill whenever needed. The bond is strong and cannot be broken.β
Tinubu called for renewed focus on subregional integration to address pressing challenges such as poverty, youth unemployment, instability, and insurgency.
He highlighted the need for closer collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana to foster shared prosperity and stability across West Africa.
βYour ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing subregional integration and progress. With laser focus, we can tackle our peopleβs most pressing concerns,β Tinubu said.
President Tinubu concluded his speech with a message of hope, calling on African nations to continue building democratic systems and resilient economies.
βMay Ghanaβs democracy continue to grow stronger. May progress and prosperity be your portion. Let us all look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity,β he prayed.
Peoplesmind