There were great expectations, especially in the science and technology sector, as Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in as President of Nigeria on 29 May, 2023.
Born 29 March, 1952, President Tinubu has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Administration (1979) from Chicago State University. He worked as an accountant with Mobil Oil in Nigeria on his return before joining politics.
He was elected and served as Senator of Lagos West constituency from 5 December, 1992 to 17 November, 1993 in Nigeria’s Third Republic.
When the military took over power, he joined the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, in fighting for democracy during General Sani Abacha’s dictatorship.
On the return of democracy in 1999 after Abacha’s death, Tinubu was elected 12th Governor of Lagos State. He was re-elected governor in 2003 and served till 29 May, 2007.
As governor, he upgraded the Office of Special Adviser on Information Technology to Ministry of Science and Technology with Hakeem Fahm as Commissioner in February, 2004. He also retained Information Technology and Special Services as a full ministry
He appointed an ethnic Ibo from Anambra State, Ben Akabueze, who was a former Managing Director of NAL Bank Plc, as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget and he served throughout his tenure in Lagos, a Yoruba-speaking state.
Together, they computerised and significantly, improved the revenue base of Lagos State.
Tinubu, though a Moslem, married Oluremi, a Christian, in 1987 and they have six children.
photo credit: facebook
