Address by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR at the 2nd Lam Adeshina Annual Lecture

Ibadan, Oyo State – November 11, 2025.

(Delivered by Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication)

Protocol

It is with great humility and deep respect that I join you today to honour the life and legacy of a man who stood tall in service, courage, and conviction — His Excellency, Alhaji Lamidi Ona-Olapo Adeshina, former Governor of Oyo State, patriot, teacher, and progressive icon.

I hold Baba Lam’s memory dear to my heart. He was not only a brother in the progressive struggle but a steadfast believer in Nigeria’s promise. Together, we dreamed of a nation built on justice, equal opportunity, and service to the people. His life was proof that politics can be noble when guided by principle and compassion.

As Governor of Oyo State from 1999 to 2003, he governed with honesty and a sense of duty that reflected his years as a teacher and activist. He touched lives, inspired hope, and stood fearlessly for truth — even when it was inconvenient. Baba Lam did not seek power for its own sake; he sought it to serve.

Today, as we gather to celebrate his legacy, I find renewed strength in the values he embodied — selflessness, courage, and faith in the destiny of our people.

Fellow Nigerians, our nation stands at a crucial moment in its history. The economic reforms we are undertaking are not easy. I am fully aware of the pains that some of our citizens are enduring. But I assure you — these reforms are necessary to rescue our economy from years of decline and dependence.

We have chosen the path of courage over convenience. We have taken bold decisions to remove structural distortions, revive productivity, and restore our economic sovereignty.

Already, the signs of recovery are visible. The exchange rate is stabilizing, inflationary pressures are easing gradually, and investor confidence is returning. Across sectors — from agriculture to energy, digital technology, and infrastructure — we are rebuilding the foundations of national growth.

This is what leadership demands — not lamentation, but determination. I did not seek this office to manage decline; I sought it to lead renewal. I will stay the course.

As Baba Lam did in his time, I will continue to act with conviction, guided by the belief that Nigeria’s greatness lies in her people — their creativity, resilience, and capacity to overcome adversity.

Our goal is not merely to manage hardship, but to end it — to make this country truly work for all. We will continue to invest in the productive sectors that create jobs, empower households, and restore hope to every community.

Let me say this clearly: I draw inspiration from leaders like Lam Adeshina — men who stood firm for the people, who refused to surrender to cynicism, and who believed that government exists to serve, not to rule.

As we celebrate him today, I commend the organizers of this annual lecture for institutionalizing his memory. May this platform continue to inspire generations to lead with courage and integrity.

May the life of Alhaji Lamidi Ona-Olapo Adeshina remind us that Nigeria’s progress will come — not by chance, but through the tireless work of men and women who love their country deeply enough to make sacrifices for her future.

May God bless his memory.

May God bless Oyo State.

And may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.