At the Democracy Day dinner, President Bola Tinubu humorously addressed a viral video showing him tripping, clarifying that he was merely performing a traditional Yoruba gesture of respect. The president’s light-hearted comment was part of a broader speech underscoring the importance of national orientation and unity.
Referring to the video, Tinubu said, “Early this morning, I had a swagger and it is on social media. They are confused on whether I was doing Buga or doing Babariga but it is a day to celebrate democracy while doing ‘dobale’ for the day. I am a traditional Yoruba boy and I did my Dobale.”
President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s diversity as a strength, emphasizing that collective effort is essential for the nation’s success. “Nigeria is blessed, our complexity, our diversity is there, but is the best road to success. Whatever we have to invest in our national orientation, we have to do it,” he declared.
He praised the dedication of governors across different political parties, recognizing their commitment to service. “We include in our national anthem, the essence of service. I have seen many governors, both live and on TV, serving their people. They belong to other parties and many of them are here tonight. Thank you, Governor Eno, of Akwa Ibom, thank you Governor Okpara, my comrade from Kaduna, thank you, Sheriff and Abia, thank you. If I miss you, forgive me. Everybody has forgotten the partisanship column and embraced that green, white, green that depicts Nigeria.”
President Tinubu called for a renewed focus on fostering a sense of duty and national character, particularly among the youth. “Citizenship is not just the dictionary meaning of it, it is the actual character. Let us teach this to our children, so that Nigeria collectively, we will do the job that we are called upon to do as both family or nation under God almighty,” he urged.
The Democracy Day dinner, commemorating 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, served as a platform for President Tinubu to reinforce the values of unity, service, and patriotism amidst the country’s diverse and complex landscape.
