By Philip Agbese

In the corridors of power, where loyalty is tested and dedication is forged, one name stands out – Rt. Hon. James Faleke, the unsung hero behind the stability of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Like a maestro conducting a symphony, Faleke works tirelessly behind the scenes, orchestrating every move with precision and passion, his unwavering commitment to his principal and mentor a beacon of hope for a brighter Nigeria.

With a heart that beats for the people and a spirit that drives him to serve, Faleke is the steady hand that steers the ship of state towards a formidable harbour, where the dreams of Nigerians can become a reality. His is a story of purposeful followership, of a man who has dedicated his life to making his leader’s vision a reality, and in doing so, has become a leader in his own right.

Faleke’s political journey began like a spark, ignited in 2003 when he took on the role of Executive Secretary of Ojodu Local Council Development Area in Lagos State. From that moment on, the flame of service and leadership grew, guiding him through the halls of governance. Almost 15 years in the National Assembly, and Faleke’s reputation as a leader of exceptional caliber had been forged.

But there’s one thread that weaves through every chapter of his story: his devotion to President Bola Tinubu. Like a trusted partner, Faleke has stood by the President’s side, working tirelessly to bring his vision to life. Through the triumphs and challenges, Faleke has remained a steadfast ally, his heart beating in sync with the President’s.

For Rt. Hon. Faleke, effective governance is more than just a concept – it’s a calling. He knows that for a government to truly serve its people, its leaders must have the courage of their convictions and the resolve to drive meaningful change. Faleke has long abandoned the politics of appeasement, instead charting a bold new course for the ship of state to sail towards a brighter future. With an unwavering commitment to his principal, mentor, and political father, President Tinubu, Faleke navigates the complexities of governance with precision and purpose.

He knows exactly what the President wants – nothing short of total fulfillment for the Nigerian people. Faleke’s leadership style is a breath of fresh air, driven by a passion to empower citizens and unleash their potential. To him, governance is not just about policy-making, but about people – giving Nigerians what they deserve, and empowering each individual to become a dream maker, not just a dreamer. With calculated risk-taking and strong political will, Faleke is determined to steer Nigeria towards a formidable harbor, where every citizen can thrive.

Like a loyal companion, he has chosen to walk in the President’s footsteps, prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians above all else. Faleke’s love for people is contagious, earning him a reputation as a champion of the masses rather than just a name. His selflessness is inspiring, as he seeks the well-being of others with a sacrificial and respectful heart.

With a dexterity that is second to none, Faleke navigates complex situations with ease, influencing others and commanding respect without effort. His creativity, self-confidence, and boldness in the face of adversity have cemented his status as a leader of exceptional caliber. Faleke is a man with a lion’s heart, conquering challenges and breaking boundaries with courage and determination.

Faleke’s secret to building a devoted team lies in two powerful principles: teamwork and inclusivity. With tireless effort, he has brought together a diverse group of men and women who share a passion for President Tinubu’s vision. Through humility and a keen eye for talent, Faleke has fostered a sense of community and purpose among his squad, creating a lasting impact that extends far beyond mere numbers.

His leadership style is built on four core principles: careful selection, association, delegation, and supervision. By empowering others and giving them the autonomy to shine, Faleke has not only grown President Tinubu’s followership but also freed himself to explore new frontiers.

But Faleke’s impact goes beyond mere recruitment – he is a maker of men. Through his empowerment programs and interventions, he builds independent individuals who stand tall, equipped with the skills and resources they need to succeed. His commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial spirit in Nigerian youths is unwavering, and his initiatives have inspired a new generation of leaders. By refusing to accept mediocrity, Faleke is shaping the future, one empowered individual at a time.

With a keen eye for talent and a heart that beats for purpose, Faleke scours the landscape for the best minds to join President Tinubu’s team. When he finds them, his enthusiasm is palpable, and he works tirelessly to harness their potential with endurance and optimism. As an extraordinary administrator, Faleke invests his time, energy, and resources with precision, building a legacy of strength and quality relationships that will outlast generations.

Every step he takes, every decision he makes, is guided by a singular focus: to bring President Tinubu’s vision for a Renewed Hope Agenda to life. With dedication, Faleke is illuminating the path forward, tapping into the transformative power of innovative policies to bring light to a nation that was once shrouded in darkness. As the brightness grows, so does the promise of a better tomorrow, and Faleke stands at the forefront, leading the charge with courage and conviction.

Focused   on delivering results, he has become a linchpin in President Tinubu’s administration. A man of quiet strength, he eschews self-promotion and instead channels his energy towards ensuring the success of the Asiwaju administration. His ultimate goal is clear: to help President Tinubu build on his achievements and repeat his success after 2027. With a selfless spirit and a steadfast commitment to the cause, Faleke is a true partner in the journey towards a brighter future for Nigeria.

As the horizon of tomorrow beckons, Faleke’s footprints on the sands of time will continue to guide generations yet unborn, illuminating the path to a brighter Nigeria, where hope and prosperity bloom like a garden tended with love, and the seeds of progress sown today yield a harvest of greatness for all.

Agbese is the Deputy Spokesman, 10th House of Representatives.

By Okanga Agila

The Budget Office of the Federal Republic of Nigeria operates under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. Over the years, the Office has witnessed numerous leadership transitions—often abrupt and inconsistent—leading to underperformance, infrastructural decay, and an erosion of professionalism. Leadership struggles and industrial unrest were further compounded by partisanship and blatant disregard for established procedures. Staff postings were dictated more by personal preferences than institutional needs, resulting in a disoriented system that drifted far from its mandate.

At its lowest point, the Budget Office had deviated from being a cornerstone of national development to a platform marred by inefficiency and weakened leadership. It became symbolic of bureaucratic lethargy and a conduit for underwhelming outcomes.

This dismal trajectory began to reverse when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, known for his knack for spotting talent and assigning responsibilities to the most capable hands, appointed Tanimu Yakubu as Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation. A respected economist and former Chief Economic Adviser to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Yakubu brought to the role the intellectual depth and administrative acumen needed to drive transformational change.

Under his leadership, the country has witnessed a marked turnaround in budgetary performance. Sound economic reforms and a focus on sustainable growth have contributed to stabilizing an ailing economy. A significant part of this transformation is attributable to a restructured and inclusive budgetary process that emphasizes team spirit, delivery, and responsiveness to the needs of citizens.

Yakubu has streamlined the budget planning and allocation system, ensuring that national resources are channelled toward addressing real economic gaps. His approach is both focused and people-centred, leading to strategic outcomes such as a reduction in inflation—from 34% to 15% in 2025—and a steady improvement in economic indicators.

Among his most notable innovations is the enhanced monitoring of projects, supported by the engagement of consultants to ensure cost-effective and durable implementation. These measures have built investor confidence and encouraged both local and foreign investments.

His reform agenda also includes a redefinition of agricultural investment. By opening up previously untapped opportunities and portfolios, food security has been bolstered through widespread bumper harvests, contributing to the reduction of food-related inflation.

The Budget Office, under Yakubu’s direction, has adopted policies that prioritize poverty alleviation and disaster response. Strategic reallocations—such as N120 billion earmarked for flood mitigation and support to public hospitals—have ensured that underserved populations gain access to life-saving medicines, including for conditions like tuberculosis and HIV.

Furthermore, Yakubu’s organizational restructuring of the Budget Office has significantly improved staff performance and internal coordination. His strategic foresight in identifying inflationary triggers and implementing countermeasures has helped stabilize the economy. Today, Nigeria not only enjoys steady revenue growth and increased foreign reserves (now exceeding $42 billion) but has also surpassed its oil production targets—reaching over 2.6 million barrels per day, with an initial boost of 130,000 barrels per day.

A distinguished alumnus of Wagner College, Yakubu anchors his policy direction on promoting fiscal sustainability, transparency, and accountability in public finance management. He is widely recognized for his results-driven, inclusive leadership style that inspires and empowers staff across the Office’s six operational departments and seven units. This collaborative environment has led to impressive improvements in the functions of departments such as Revenue/Fiscal Policy, Social and Economic Expenditure, Budget Monitoring and Evaluation, Human Resource Management, and Finance and Accounts.

By fostering interdepartmental synergy, Yakubu has achieved a high-performance culture. His strong communication skills and motivational leadership have unified the workforce, enhancing productivity and accountability at all levels.

Yakubu’s crowning achievements include the development of a forward-looking economic blueprint aligned with the government’s development priorities and the establishment of a state-of-the-art ICT Centre at the Budget Office. His commitment to staff welfare, transparent monitoring systems, and project tracking has ensured a more efficient and impactful budget performance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

Indeed, Tanimu Yakubu stands as a clear testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to excellence and meritocracy. His appointment has brought about a necessary transformation in the Budget Office, catalyzing economic stabilization and laying a firm foundation for national development and prosperity.

Okanga writes from Agila, Benue State.

By Bukola Olasanmi

Three years ago, Chief Festus Keyamo made a bold prediction. As the then Minister of Labour and Employment and spokesperson for the Tinubu/Shettima All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, he foresaw a landslide victory for President Bola Tinubu. Keyamo proclaimed that Asiwaju was not just a winner, but the chosen one, sent to lead Nigeria from bondage, poverty, and misery to a promised land of prosperity.

Like the ancient Nostradamus, Keyamo’s analytical mind dissected the demographic setup of the APC, previous voting patterns, and the triple split of opposition parties. He predicted a sure overwhelming win for his party’s candidate. Keyamo also saw tomorrow, foreseeing an unprecedented economic and social turnaround under President Tinubu’s administration. He envisioned a land where every citizen’s potential would drive national development, unhindered by ethnicity, religion, tribe, or politics.

A man of impeccable national and international stature, he envisioned a future where Nigeria’s social and physical infrastructures would undergo a significant transformation. He foresaw a leadership that would exhibit empathy, capacity, and the political will to implement innovative reforms, ultimately enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the people.

Keyamo’s faith in President Tinubu’s determination, capability, and competence was unwavering. He believed in the President’s vision and was convinced that together, they could drive Nigeria’s growth and development. As a fantastically brilliant and responsive leader, he took on the dual role of Minister of the Federal Republic and Campaign spokesperson with patriotic zeal. For him, this was an opportunity to showcase his skills in nation-building, setting a new standard for performance and responsibility.

As Chief Festus Keyamo took the reins as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, he came armed with a clear vision and a comprehensive blueprint. His five-point agenda was a roadmap for transformation, prioritizing strict compliance with national and international laws, infrastructure development, support for local operators, and human capacity building.

With his eyes fixed on the horizon, Keyamo set out to reinvent the aviation sector, driven by a singular goal: to make Nigeria a premier aviation destination. He forged unprecedented partnerships with foreign investors, international organizations, and corporations, creating a fertile ground for growth and development. Keyamo’s passion for air safety and security led him to champion legislation that enshrined international safety standards in Nigerian law. He spearheaded the ratification of 29 international treaties and conventions, paving the way for a safer, more efficient, and more prosperous aviation sector.

Keyamo’s savvy disposition and incisiveness led him to sign a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing Airlines. This strategic partnership aimed to stimulate the maintenance, repairs, and overhaul (MRO) of various facilities, reducing airline operational costs and enhancing capacity growth in aviation maintenance. Keyamo’s goal-getting spirit also ensured Nigeria’s compliance with the Cape Town Convention on dry-leasing of aircraft.

By initiating the documentation of the Practice Direction, he propelled Nigeria’s compliance rating from 49.5% to 70.5%. The subsequent signing of the Administrative Rules governing aircraft repossession further boosted Nigeria’s score to 75.5%. Keyamo’s reconstruction and upgrade of the Borno Airport transformed it into a full-fledged international airport. Meanwhile, the Arrival Hall at Lagos International Airport’s Wing E was remodeled into an ultra-modern edifice, enhancing passenger satisfaction and connectivity.

Chief Festus Keyamo’s finalization of the Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) was a masterstroke that catapulted Nigeria into the global aviation arena. This groundbreaking agreement paved the way for mutually beneficial international air travel arrangements, bolstering Nigeria’s international image and diplomacy. As a visionary leader, Keyamo’s international travels and engagements were a calculated effort to mainstream Nigeria into the global community. He forged lasting relationships, built trust, and fostered confidence across nations, redefining Nigeria’s narrative and promoting its image.

Keyamo’s approach to nation-building was rooted in an unwavering ideology of trust and patriotism. His dogged determination to drive positive transformation, even in the face of adversity, was inspiring. With an unshakeable optimism, he envisioned a Nigeria that would stand tall among nations, and he was resolute in his pursuit of sustainable economic growth and development. Through his deliberate actions, Keyamo drove practical reinvention in the aviation sector, demonstrating his mettle as a transformative leader.

Chief Festus Keyamo, a visionary leader, is driven by an unwavering determination to transform Nigeria into a global aviation hub. His proactive strategy is designed to facilitate international trade, commerce, tourism, and hospitality, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Bola Ahmed administration. Keyamo’s trailblazing approach has unveiled unprecedented horizons in the aviation sector. He spearheaded the construction of a second runway at the Abuja International Airport and the billion-naira NAHCO Export Processing and Packaging Centre, revolutionising cargo export capabilities.

With transparency and accountability as his guiding principles, Keyamo has fostered confidence among aviation investors, financiers, and leaders. His bold decisiveness led to the remarkable recovery of over $120 billion in stolen funds, a testament to his courage and unwavering commitment. A paragon of discipline and due diligence, Keyamo stands out as a champion of social change, nation-building, and human development. Undaunted by obstacles, he presses forward, driven by an unyielding passion to transform Nigeria. As a fearless and outspoken leader, Keyamo confronts pressing national issues with unflinching courage. His vision extends far beyond the present, forging a transformative path that will leave an indelible mark on Nigeria’s future.

Like the legendary Nostradamus, Chief Festus Keyamo has shown the uncanny ability to foresee and prepare for the future. His prophetic vision, coupled with his unshakeable determination, has enabled him to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s aviation sector, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for growth and development. As a master strategist, Keyamo shares Nostradamus’ gift for reading the signs of the times, anticipating challenges, and seizing opportunities.

This unique ability has allowed him to drive innovation and progress in the aviation sector, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economy and global standing. Under Keyamo’s leadership, Nigeria’s aviation sector is soaring to new heights. With his vision and expertise guiding the way, the sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, innovation, and transformation. As Keyamo continues to lead the charge, Nigeria’s aviation sector is poised to become a model for excellence, a shining example of the power of visionary leadership and strategic planning.

*Olasanmi writes from Abuja