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Tinubu’s Cult of Personality: A Dangerous Obsession with Self in a Crumbling Nation

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Tinubu’s Cult of Personality: A Dangerous Obsession with Self in a Crumbling Nation By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

Tinubu’s Cult of Personality: A Dangerous Obsession with Self in a Crumbling Nation

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

In a country battling record inflation, historic levels of insecurity, a spiraling Naira and the unchecked exodus of skilled professionals, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has chosen an odd hill to die on: HIMSELF. In less than two years in office, Nigeria’s 16th president has renamed or established no fewer than seven public institutions and infrastructures in his own name; all while STILL SERVING in office.

This is not a case of national consensus on legacy. It is not a grateful nation immortalizing a statesman posthumously. This is a living president, naming the country after himself, in real time with utter disregard for the optics, implications or precedent. It is self-glorification masquerading as patriotism.

Let’s call it what it is: a cult of personality and Nigeria is in dangerous territory.

The Self-Naming Spree: Seven Monuments of Ego
Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja
The iconic International Conference Centre (ICC), initially commissioned in 1991 by General Ibrahim Babangida for ₦240 million, was recently renovated for ₦39 billion. It now bears Tinubu’s name, despite IBB, a former military head of state, never naming it after himself. That tells you something.

Tinubu International Airport, Minna
Renamed in 2023 while the president is still alive and active in office. A move that even General Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s most authoritarian ruler, never dared attempt.

Tinubu Polytechnic, Gwarinpa
A new federal polytechnic established under his administration and promptly christened after the president. Again; by the same man still holding the pen of power.

Tinubu National Assembly Library, Abuja
A legislative initiative backed by sycophantic lawmakers to immortalize the president in a space that is supposed to serve all members of the National Assembly across party lines.

Tinubu Immigration Technology Building, Abuja
A federal digital hub developed to enhance Nigeria’s immigration processing systems is now forever linked to the president’s name.

Tinubu Barracks, Asokoro
Military facilities are traditionally named after revered generals or national heroes, often posthumously. Yet here we are, with a barracks named after a living civilian president. Not even Olusegun Obasanjo or Muhammadu Buhari, both retired generals and former heads of state, ever received that honour in their lifetimes.

Tinubu Way, Abuja (Formerly Southern Parkway)
A major thoroughfare in the capital city renamed in 2024. The timing? Conveniently mid-term. Not post-presidency. Not after national consensus. But while the president is still signing off on the budgets and appointments that keep the legislative and executive arms compliant.

No Precedent in Nigerian Democracy
Historically, Nigeria has reserved such honours for deceased leaders, post-administration recognition or exceptional statesmen whose legacy transcended political partisanship. Even Obafemi Awolowo, widely regarded as Nigeria’s most visionary leader, did not self-name roads or institutions while in office.

President Goodluck Jonathan, despite establishing 12 new universities across Nigeria, never named one after himself. Former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, known for his humility and reformist spirit, died in office and still resisted the trap of self-worship. Even Buhari, under whose administration sycophancy flourished, did not rename major national assets after himself.

What Tinubu is doing is not legacy-building; it is a narcissistic branding campaign funded by taxpayers.

A Nation in Crisis, Led by Vanity
Nigeria is in crisis. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. The inflation rate hovers near 33% as of May 2025, with food inflation exceeding 40%, according to CBN data. Insecurity still plagues northern and central regions, and over 2,000 Nigerian doctors have migrated to the UK since 2023 alone, per the UK General Medical Council.

Instead of leading with humility and focus, Tinubu is erecting marble monuments of his name in a collapsing economy.

“Leaders who are truly loved by their people don’t name things after themselves, the people do that when they are gone.”
— Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Political Analyst, Centre for Democracy and Development

The Psychology of a Name
Naming is power. It immortalizes. It dominates memory and shapes perception. Tinubu’s spree of self-naming is not just about pride; it’s a calculated effort to brand Nigeria in his image, rewriting history while still holding the pen. This is not uncommon among autocrats and populists across history.

From Mobutu Sese Seko, who renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo to Zaire and named towns and airports after himself, to Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines, who filled the nation with his family’s name, history is replete with examples of self-glorifying regimes who tried to mask repression and failure with symbolic excess.

“When a man becomes obsessed with his own name, he forgets the pain in the streets.”
— Chidi Odinkalu, Human Rights Lawyer

Where Is the National Assembly?
One must ask: where is the National Assembly? Where is the separation of powers? In theory, Nigeria practices constitutional democracy, but in practice, the legislature has become a chamber of praise-singers.

Senators who should be asking questions about the cost of renaming, the constitutional legality of branding public infrastructure with a living president’s name, and the message it sends to Nigerians are instead proposing more honorary bills.

This silence is not just shameful; it is complicity.

A Republic, Not a Kingdom
President Tinubu must be reminded: Nigeria is a republic, not a monarchy. Power resides in the people. Legacy is earned through service, not signage. If the president truly believes in posterity, let him allow future generations to decide how he is remembered and not through artificial plaques but by enduring progress.

This self-naming spree does not mask the hardship of Nigerians. It does not distract from the fuel queues, the collapsed power grid, the Naira in free-fall or the insecurity that haunts farmers and school-children alike.

Let Tinubu deliver real reform. Let him rebuild industries not just rename roads. Let him fix the education system not just rename the library. Let him be a leader for all and not just a brand for himself.

“The tragedy of African leadership is that too many men build statues of themselves in the sand while their people drown.”
— Prof. PLO Lumumba

Final Take: History Is Watching
History will remember this chapter and not kindly. President Tinubu’s self-immortalization project is an embarrassment to our democracy and a warning sign for our future. If unchecked, it could set a dangerous precedent for future leaders to elevate ego over service.

Let us be clear: this is not legacy. It is vanity. And vanity has no place in a nation gasping for breath.

The people must speak. Civil society must resist. The media must spotlight. Because if we let this slide, we’re not just enabling one man’s obsession; we are surrendering the dignity of the republic itself.

Tinubu’s Cult of Personality: A Dangerous Obsession with Self in a Crumbling Nation
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

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FROM GLOBAL IMPACT TO NATIONAL SERVICE: DR. PRINCESS CHETACHI NWOGA-NWOGA-ECTON ACCEPTS CALL TO SERVE OWERRI ZONE

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FROM GLOBAL IMPACT TO NATIONAL SERVICE: DR. PRINCESS CHETACHI NWOGA-NWOGA-ECTON ACCEPTS CALL TO SERVE OWERRI ZONE

 

In a defining moment that has electrified the political landscape of Imo State, globally acclaimed philanthropist, Dr. Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, has officially accepted the clarion call of Owerri Zone youths to contest for the Senate seat in the forthcoming general elections.

 

Speaking from the United States, where she continues to advance her humanitarian engagements, Dr. Nwoga-Ecton made her position known in a heartfelt and resolute address that has since resonated across communities at home and in the diaspora.

 

A distinguished recipient of the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award under the administration of Joe Biden, Dr. Nwoga-Ecton has built a legacy rooted in compassion, service, and global impact.

 

As the Founder of the When In Need Foundation, she has transformed countless lives through initiatives focused on empowerment, healthcare, education, and social welfare.

 

Beyond her widely recognized humanitarian strides, she is also a passionate and consistent advocate of agriculture. For many years, Dr. Nwoga-Ecton has championed farming as a tool for economic growth and food security, personally supporting farmers across several local governments in Imo State.

 

Through her initiatives, she has distributed seedlings to farmers, helping to boost local agricultural productivity and encourage sustainable livelihoods.

 

Her impact is equally profound among widows and women, whom she has continually supported through financial assistance and structured skills acquisition programs.

 

These empowerment efforts have enabled countless women to regain economic independence, rebuild their lives, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

 

Responding to the persistent and passionate agitation by Owerri Zone youths, she declared:

“After deep reflection, consultations, and prayers, I have decided to humbly accept the call of our vibrant and courageous youths to serve.

 

This is not a personal ambition, but a collective mission — a responsibility to represent, to uplift, and to deliver purposeful leadership to our people.”

 

Her acceptance has been met with overwhelming jubilation, especially among young people who have long advocated for credible, people-oriented representation.

 

For many, her decision signals the dawn of a new era — one anchored on integrity, inclusiveness, and visionary leadership.

 

Dr. Nwoga-Ecton emphasized that her transition from global humanitarian service to active political participation is a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to humanity:

“Service knows no boundaries.

 

Whether on the global stage or within our communities, the goal remains the same — to create opportunities, restore hope, and build a future that works for everyone.

 

Owerri Zone deserves a strong, compassionate voice at the Senate, and I am ready to answer that call.”

 

Political analysts have described her entry into the race as a game-changer, citing her international exposure, proven track record, and deep grassroots connection as key strengths that set her apart.

 

For the youths of Owerri Zone, their voices have not only been heard — they have been answered.

 

And in Dr. Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, they see not just a candidate, but a symbol of hope, a vessel of change, and a leader ready to chart a new course for the future.

 

Dr. Chris Oko Odey

Abuja.

 

 

The award she received from the US is the presidential lifetime achievement award not award of excellence please take note before publishing

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STILL ON DELE MOMODU by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

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AHMAD GUMI: CLERIC OF BLOOD, FACE OF HATE 

STILL ON DELE MOMODU by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

 

 

I saw Dele Momodu’s response to my article on him & was amused.

 

 

I tried to be polite & restrained in that write up & I didn’t realise that it would hurt him so deeply. Yet for that I offer no apology.

https://www.stanbicibtcbank.com/nigeriabank/personal/products-and-services/all-loans/stanbic-ibtc-mreif-home-loans

 

I said he sounded tired & worne in his interview with Seun Okinbaloye but from his response today it is clear that he is now completely unhinged.

 

He has blown his gasket & his reaction is rooted more in emotion than it is in logic.

STILL ON DELE MOMODU by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

 

Frankly I feel sorry for him because it is clear that he is fighting a lost cause, he is badly diminished & he is now a shadow of his former self.

 

 

 

For Bobby Dee the glory days are certainly over & I suspect that by 2027 when Tinubu emerges victorious he will crawl back into the hole that he originally came from.

 

 

Perhaps at that time he will go back to taking pictures of former Governor Nyesom Wike, the Adeleke’s & other prominent figures for a living & shining their shoes.

 

 

Playing clips of things that I said about President Tinubu 11 years ago when I was in the then opposition & when I led the media section of President Jonathan’s presidential campaign organisation will not help him to get rid of the stench of faeces that he has immersed himself in today & neither does it derogate from the fact that he was speaking rubbish when he said Tinubu is a dictator.

 

 

 

Unlike others I will never deny what I have said in the past about Tinubu or anyone else but at least I had the decency & courage to admit that I was wrong & ever since I left the then opposition and joined the APC in 2021 I have not looked back.

 

 

 

Not only did I fight for Tinubu in 2023 during the presidential campaign but I have remained loyal & committed to him & his cause since then and I have no apology for that either.

 

 

 

Unlike Dele I did not benefit from him for close to 40 years, eat from his plate, collect handouts from him, stay in his house, claim to be his brother and yet refuse to support him in achieving his dream of becoming President.

 

 

 

Bobby Dee’s nose is so far up the posterior of those he is now slaving for that he forgot to mention the fact that every single one of them, at some point or the other in their sorry lives & career, have not only changed political parties several times over but have also opposed Tinubu bitterly & even more vehemently than I ever did only to go back & later re-align with him.

 

 

I do not begrudge them or blame them for that because that is the nature of politics all over the world.

 

 

 

There are no permanent friends or enemies but only permanent interests and in my view it is in the interest of Nigeria that Tinubu continues the reforms that he started in 2023 after he was elected President.

 

 

It is also my view that Nigeria must never fall into the hands of the conglomeration of court jesters, sorry clowns & motely crew of insufferable jokers that Dele is now speaking, slaving & fronting for.

 

 

 

I will still be gentle with my old friend because I have a soft spot for him but if he ever crosses the line with me again I will stop being so restrained.

 

 

He does not have the stomach for a real fight because he is vain and thin-skinned. He also has an over- inflated opinion of himself and a huge ego.

 

These are weaknesses in this game and not strengths and as we get closer to the presidential campaign he will learn this the hard way.

 

 

Meanwhile he should stay in his lane otherwise I will give him plenty to write about.

 

For him to compare Tinubu to Abacha was wrong and if he was anything like the dictator that Dele claims he is both Dele and those he speaks for today would either be dead or in jail.

 

 

He should count himself lucky that our President is a democrat and not a monster.

 

 

Dele’s lies, duplicity & shameless perfidy have finally been exposed & are as obvious & glaring as his very large stomach.

 

I advise him to do some press ups & go jogging because unlike before I will no longer remain silent as he & his friends throw mud at our President.

 

Game on!

 

 

(FFK)

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OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture: Sheikh Jamiu Asanbe Urges Muslims to Avoid Showboating in Worship

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OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture: Sheikh Jamiu Asanbe Urges Muslims to Avoid Showboating in Worship.

 

 

The Chief Imam of Agelete Central Mosque, Ikoyi Lagos, Alhaji Jamiu Asanbe, has urged Muslims to remain sincere in their acts of worship and avoid the temptation of seeking public praise for good deeds.

The respected Islamic scholar gave this admonition while delivering a lecture at the OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture, held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Lagos.

Speaking on the importance of sincerity in Islam, Sheikh Asanbe cautioned Muslim faithful against what he described as “showboating” — the practice of performing charitable acts or religious duties merely to gain recognition or admiration from others.

According to him, every act of worship in Islam must be done purely for the sake of Almighty Allah.

He explained that while acts such as prayer, fasting, and charity are fundamental pillars of faith, their true value lies in the intention behind them.

The cleric therefore encouraged Muslims to remain genuine in their devotion and avoid mixing their faith with the desire for worldly praise or attention.

Sheikh Asanbe also reminded the faithful that the holy month of Ramadan presents a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal. He urged believers to increase acts of generosity, particularly by supporting the needy, vulnerable members of society, and orphans.

Earlier in her remarks, the Convener of the Ramadan Lecture and CEO of OWUTU FM, Hajia Adejoke Muyibat Balogun, encouraged attendees to use the sacred month as a time for reflection, self-improvement, and community development.

She described the lecture theme as carefully selected to promote spirituality, strengthen faith, and encourage peaceful coexistence within the community.

Balogun expressed appreciation to the numerous guests and supporters who attended the event, noting that their presence reflected the strong bond within the community.

She further reaffirmed OWUTU FM’s commitment to sustaining the annual Ramadan Lecture, praying for Allah’s continued guidance and mercy in the years ahead.

The 2026 edition of the Ramadan Lecture attracted dignitaries and representatives from various organisations including Uzamot Communications, Okutex Fabrics, and the Yeye Asiwaju of Ojota Kingdom.

The event also featured engaging activities such as a quiz competition, where winners were presented with gifts. In the spirit of Ramadan, iftar meals were shared with guests, reinforcing the values of unity, generosity, and compassion that define the holy month.

Through initiatives like this, OWUTU FM continues to play a vital role in promoting faith-based dialogue, community engagement, and social harmony.

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