A Beacon of Resilience and Unwavering Spirit: A Tribute to His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar
By Assoc. Prof. Ahmed Adamu
On this momentous occasion of His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar’s 77th birthday, we pause to celebrate the life of an extraordinary individual who has indelibly shaped the course of Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. As we reflect on his remarkable journey, we are filled with gratitude for his unwavering commitment to the betterment of our nation.
If you closely observe him in recent times, you’ll notice a sense of ease, contentment, and a perpetual smile on his face. He lives a life without regrets, recognizing that he has dedicated his utmost efforts for the well-being of the people and the nation. This unwavering commitment keeps his enthusiasm alive, undeterred by disappointments or betrayals. Regardless of challenges, he consistently rises above them, demonstrating persistent energy and dedication.
Atiku Abubakar’s generous spirit has empowered him to endure the challenges of both politics and life. He has managed to avoid making outright enemies; irrespective of the severity of situations, whether it be betrayal, disappointment, or loss, he maintains a composed demeanor and directs his focus forward.
He stands out as the most intellectually adept Nigerian leader since the advent of democracy. His brilliance lies not merely in possessing all the answers but in recognizing and nurturing individuals who do. An exemplary facet of his intelligence is his capacity to attentively consider novel or divergent ideas—an attribute not commonly found in all leaders.
Atiku Abubakar doesn’t give you half attention; it’s either full attention or none. When in conversation with him, you receive his complete focus. Imagine someone maintaining such acute attentiveness consistently throughout each day and week – a testament to his remarkable mental vigor. Despite concluding his day around 1 am, he is up and active by 6 am, fully prepared for another day. For you to keep pace with his schedule requires you to have boundless energy.
His humility is truly extraordinary; he doesn’t view himself as superior but remains grounded, treating everyone with profound respect and dignity. He extends a warm embrace to all who cross his path, making them feel welcomed and valued.
I have not encountered a leader with his level of poise and precision in personal communication. He crafts his words and sentences meticulously, demonstrating accuracy and empathy. When he communicates in writing, there are no typos or inconsistencies, eliminating the need for further clarification. His command of English grammar is excellent.
Another aspect that captivates me about him is his responsiveness to messages on WhatsApp and email. He ensures that he reads and addresses all messages promptly, even during the night. One might question if he sleeps at all, as he dedicates his nights to responding to messages and taking swift action. Once he decides on something, he executes it immediately, showcasing a strong commitment to his word.
He has a passion for reading, and his fast-reading skills allow him to enjoy lengthy articles on social media. Despite maintaining discipline in phone usage, during less busy moments, he immerses himself in his phone, actively surfing the internet and navigating through social media platforms.
Everyone is aware of his relative addiction to Twitter. Many people may not believe that he posts his social media content by himself most of the time. He composes his thoughts and reactions, posting them on his Twitter account.
When he meets someone, he thinks positively and highly of them; he does not look down on people or pass negative judgments. Regardless of your background or beliefs, he regards you with esteem upon your meeting. He maintains a positive outlook toward everyone he encounters. It will surprise you when, after a long time, he recalls not only your name but also the details of the conversation you had with him. This showcases his strong memory.
When discussions arise regarding a national issue or economic problem, his perspectives, ideas, and proposed solutions are exceptional. His experience as a civil servant and vice president has provided him with insights into the challenges confronting Nigeria, and it has equipped him with the brilliance to suggest innovative and out-of-the-box solutions.
Regarding his wealth, someone once told me that Atiku’s fortune is equivalent to loading heavy trucks with money and forming an unending queue from Kaduna to Kano. Another person claimed that his wealth is so immense that he even lends it to spirits.
I once shared with him a story about a young lady on social media who, upon learning she was going to meet Atiku, began envisioning buying a mansion, a car, and achieving instant wealth. He chuckled at the story, as he’s accustomed to hearing such misconceptions. This illustrates the exaggerated notions about the businessman’s wealth; these are all myths and not true.
Atiku Abubakar does not maintain a personal bank account. Throughout his entire public service career, he has never faced trial or been found guilty of any financial misconduct. As a businessman involved in various sectors such as agriculture, production, oil and gas, education, media, and stocks, he consistently reinvests in expanding his wealth. This approach enables him to further his philanthropic efforts and contribute to job creation for young people. His businesses in Nigeria collectively employ more than 300,000 individuals.
One of the most captivating aspects about him, is his profound love and dedication to young people. His actions are driven by a commitment to securing a better future for the younger generations, exemplifying a true service to humanity. This is evident in his continuous investment in education, where he consistently supports young people, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, in accessing top-quality education. He channels millions of Naira towards providing free education for children of the impoverished and actively contributes to the construction of schools.
In conclusion, two of the most significant lessons I’ve learned from being close to Atiku Abubakar are, one, the importance of unwavering perseverance: regardless of your goals, never give up. He consistently emphasizes the virtues of courage, consistency, and persistence, principles he has not only advocated but also exemplified throughout his life. Atiku Abubakar stands as a man of both courage and steadfast consistency.
The second key lesson I learned from Atiku Abubakar is the understanding that politics should not serve as a catalyst for hatred, disassociation, or discrediting of others. While individuals may hold diverse political interests or affiliations, it shouldn’t hinder the possibility of forming friendships and collaborations in other endeavors. Atiku Abubakar serves as an exemplar in this regard, maintaining strong bonds with best friends, family, and associates despite their varying political affiliations, with no adverse impact on their relationships.
Atiku Abubakar is considered by many as the best President Nigeria has never had yet. His unwavering commitment to championing true democracy and promoting good governance in the country is evident. His enduring dedication to these causes suggests that he will persist in these efforts as long as he is alive. Atiku Abubakar is recognized as one of the most valuable assets for young people in Nigeria. Wishing you a happy birthday, Your Excellency, Sir.
*Assoc. Prof. Ahmed Adamu*
Petroleum Economist, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja.
