President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is popularly called the “Jagaban” by his admirers. The term “Jagaban” originates from the title conferred on Tinubu by the Emir of Borgu, which translates to “the leader of Borgu land” or “Asiwaju of Borgu land” in the Yoruba language. The word translates to “leader of warriors,” drawing from Tinubu’s chieftaincy title of “Ja a gabar Borgu”. The late Emir of Borgu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Haliru Dantoro III, explained this title.
Background
Bola Ahmed Tinubu was born in Lagos on March 29th, 1952, to a Yoruba family. He attended St. John’s Primary School, Aroloya, Lagos and Children’s Home School in Ibadan. He then proceeded to Government College, Ibadan, where he obtained the West African School Certificate in 1970. Tinubu earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Chicago State University in 1979. I983, he graduated from the Chicago-Kent College of Law in Illinois and earned a Juris Doctor degree.
The Jagaban Qualities:
Leadership
Firstly, Bola Tinubu is considered by many to be one of Nigeria’s most influential political leaders. His leadership qualities are visible in how he has successfully navigated and dominated the political scene for over twenty years. Tinubu’s ability to lead and organize people around a shared vision has seen him emerge as the most successful and celebrated Governor of Lagos State.
Political Strategy
Secondly, Tinubu is reputed for his political strategy and foresight. He possesses an uncanny ability to read political trends and make strategic decisions that have sustained his political relevance over the years. He demonstrated his strategic capabilities in 1999 when he successfully led the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to victory in the gubernatorial elections that saw him emerge as the Executive Governor of Lagos State and the president of Nigeria in 2023 under the APC.
Empowerment
In addition, Tinubu is a self-made millionaire who has demonstrated his commitment to empowering the people around him. He has created several empowerment and job creation programs spanned many years. His political career has seen the creation of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Foundation, which provides entrepreneurial ideas and business grants to young Nigerians.
Political Endurance
Furthermore, Bola Tinubu is a widely respected political figure that has endured several political battles and come out on top. His political adversaries have thrown several obstacles his way, including petitions, litigation, and propaganda, but he has weathered the storm. His political endurance has gained him the respect of Nigerians and is one of the qualities that have earned him the Jagaban nickname.
Political Network
Lastly, Tinubu is reputed to have one of Nigeria’s most influential political networks. Tinubu’s extensive network reaches Nigeria, influencing Lagos State’s affairs for over twenty years. Jagaban has also helped elect many Nigerian political figures; this network is one of his key strengths. This was very instrumental in his presidential victory in 2023.
Conclusion
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Jagaban nickname is a testament to his abilities and success in politics. The qualities that have earned him the nickname include his leadership capabilities, political strategies, empowerment programs, political endurance, and influential political network. Nigerians recognize Tinubu’s contributions to the country, and many believe that his political influence will continue to impact Nigeria’s political landscape for the foreseeable future. Tinubu remains an icon in Nigerian politics, and his contributions will remain a subject of discussion for many years.
