President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace the enduring ideals of Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola – a towering figure of courage, unity and cooperative politics.
Speaking at the University of Ibadan as President Bola Tinubu’s representative during the 2026 Samuel Ladoke Akintola Memorial Lecture and 60th remembrance ceremony, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume urged political leaders to shun bitterness, intolerance and division.
The SGF instead, championed dialogue, consensus and inclusive leadership as the cornerstones of Nigeria’s political life.
The former governor of Benue State, painted Akintola – once a teacher, journalist and statesman from Ogbomoso – as a master bridge-builder who rose to national prominence through intellect, service and principled resolve.
His greatest gift, the SGF said, was choosing consensus over conflict and unity over parochialism.
President Tinubu, SGF Akume added, remains committed to inclusive growth via sweeping reforms, new development commissions and heavy investment in people.
According to him, Nigeria’s rich diversity remains the country’s biggest asset – and the surest route to lasting peace and progress.
