Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
President Bola Tinubu has issued a direct and unflinching call for a new generation of leaders who will place the public good above personal interests and self-aggrandisement, declaring that Nigeria needs men and women who value "devotion to public service" over personal advancement. Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at St. Monica Cathedral of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), Jimeta, Yola, during a thanksgiving service to mark the 70th birthday of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Boss Mustapha.
Represented by the current SGF, Senator George Akume, the President urged public officials and citizens to make commitment to public service and the common good a central value. "Today is first and foremost a day for thanksgiving. We gathered not only to celebrate a passage of seven decades, but to celebrate the faithfulness of God, who has preserved and sustained Boss Mustapha through the various seasons of life," Tinubu said. He added: "Nigeria needs men and women who value what transcends personal interest, but rather a devotion to public service".
The President's call comes at a time when his own administration is facing mounting criticism over the management of public funds, particularly the N33.75 billion cash transfer scheme, which the Auditor-General's report recently exposed for lacking proper beneficiary details. Just a day before Tinubu's speech, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had demanded a probe into the scheme, describing it as "cruel, insulting, and grossly inadequate".
The thanksgiving service brought together political leaders, government officials, family members, friends and other well-wishers to celebrate Mustapha's 70th birthday. Also speaking at the event, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Mustapha as a benchmark for integrity in public service and called for greater unity among political leaders in the Middle Belt region. Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa George Farauta, commended the former SGF for his contributions to nation-building and his steadfastness in public service.
While Tinubu's call for selfless leadership resonates with many Nigerians who have grown weary of corruption and mismanagement, critics have pointed to the irony of a president whose administration has been plagued by allegations of financial recklessness delivering a sermon on public service. The N33.75 billion cash transfer scandal, which the Auditor-General's report found to be riddled with lapses, has cast a long shadow over the government's claims of transparency and accountability. As one political observer noted, "It is easy to preach about public good when you are at the podium, but the real test is whether the government's actions match its words." For now, Tinubu has drawn a line in the sand, challenging Nigerian leaders to rise above personal interests. Whether his own administration will heed that call remains to be seen.
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