Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed confidence in President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership as the rising Black Star of Ghana.
Ghana’s new President, he said, is a man of patriotic vision and substance whose government will work to strengthen the powerful bond between Ghana and Nigeria leading to greater shared progress and prosperity for their people.
Addressing the inauguration of President Mahama on Tuesday 7 January 2027 as the Special Guest of Honour at the Independence Square and drawing on Ghana’s iconic national emblem, Tinubu declared, “The sun is out and the sky may be blue, but I see today a black star rising, rising high in the African sky.”
“This black star shines over this nation and its rays spread across this continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare.”
Tinubu lauded Ghana’s peaceful democratic transition as a beacon of hope and pride for Africa, urging nations to embrace unity and reject divisive narratives.
He also pledged Nigeria’s unwavering support, emphasizing the bond between the two nations.
He said, “President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support at any given time you call on me. We are your brothers and sisters. We shall always be there for you.”
He emphasized the potential for strengthened collaboration between the two nations and expressed confidence that the government would fulfil the aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
President Tinubu praised Ghana’s peaceful transition of power as a testament to the strength of African democracy.
He said, “This moment does not merely symbolize another milestone in the evolution of Ghana’s democratic society. It further demonstrates that in West Africa we are capable of democratic and productive endeavours.”
The Nigerian leader emphasized the importance of African nations standing together against external narratives that seek to divide them.
According to him, while others may seek to demean Africa and pit brother against brother, “That shining star reminds us of who we are. Better yet, it reminds us of who we can be. Never can we harm our brothers, nor can we permit any outsider to disrupt our bonds of brotherhood,” he said.
Tinubu invoked the legacy of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and Nigeria’s founding fathers, stressing their vision of African unity and mutual support and urging the need to always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders.
President Tinubu stressed the pressing challenges facing the sub-region, including poverty, youth unemployment, and instability. He urged collective action to address these issues and achieve lasting progress.
“With laser focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing problems and bring our desired progress,” he asserted.
President Tinubu called for hope and unity across the continent, prayed for Ghana’s democracy to continue to grow stronger and urged Ghanaians to look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and progress