In a striking display of national dedication over the Easter weekend, Nigerian business magnate and philanthropist Femi Otedola has publicly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the country’s economic renewal, noting that the President remained actively engaged on state affairs even during the public holiday.
In a personal statement released to the press on Easter Monday, Otedola revealed that he had the opportunity to observe firsthand the President’s work ethic, describing it as “a new standard for leadership in Africa.”
“While many citizens rightfully rested and celebrated with family this Easter, President Tinubu was still working,” Otedola said. “His dedication is not for show. From reviewing economic stabilisation bills to holding strategy calls on the energy sector, the President is clearly prioritising the nation’s recovery above personal leisure.”
Otedola, who has been increasingly vocal in his support of the administration’s reform agenda, specifically praised Tinubu’s resolve in pushing through difficult but necessary economic policies, including the unification of exchange rates and the removal of fuel subsidies.
“These are not popular decisions, but they are presidential ones. Mr. President has shown that he is willing to take the political hit today to save the country tomorrow. That kind of commitment working through a major Christian holiday should not go unnoticed,” Otedola added.
The statement has since drawn mixed reactions from political analysts. While some see it as a validation of Tinubu’s discipline, others question whether the praise reflects a growing alignment between Nigeria’s corporate elite and the current administration.
Nevertheless, Otedola insisted his remarks were non-political. “This is about leadership culture. When a President works on Easter Sunday, it sends a message that Nigeria is open for business and that no hour should be wasted in getting our economy back on track.”
The Easter weekend also saw renewed calls from civil society for greater transparency in government spending, but Otedola’s endorsement shifts focus to the executive’s personal commitment.
As of press time, the Presidency had not issued an official response to Otedola’s statement, though sources close to the Villa confirmed the President spent much of the weekend reviewing the 2026 supplementary budget proposal.