By Sani Danaudi Mohammed
Nigerians, especially young people, have been making a fuss over Seyi Tinubu’s visit to the northern states, a region where his father, President Bola Tinubu, secured 38.9% of the votes in the last election. However, Seyi’s visit shouldn’t be controversial, considering the North is, in a way, his family’s political home. His decision to tour the region during Ramadan and break fast with young people is a gesture of goodwill and cultural exchange.
Islamically, there’s nothing wrong with breaking fast with non-Muslims. In fact, it’s encouraged as a way of showing good dealings with people from other faiths. Seyi, being a Christian, is receiving the same warm hospitality from the northern region, known for its accommodating nature. This exchange promotes unity and understanding between people of different faiths.
The controversy surrounding Seyi Tinubu’s visit to the North has ignited a heated debate. While some critics perceive his actions as a strategic political maneuver, others view it as a sincere effort to connect with the youth and foster cultural understanding . Many have applauded Seyi’s contributions to politics and economic development, urging him to expand his youth empowerment programs in the North beyond the iftar event. This exchange underscores the positive impact of Seyi’s visit, emphasizing the significance of interfaith dialogue and youth engagement.
Reflecting on Seyi’s visit, it’s unfortunate to see many negative comments circulating online. As a leader of young people and a Muslim myself, I believe it is essential to offer a more nuanced perspective. Seyi’s iftar events, in my view, represent a rare gesture of goodwill towards the Muslim community most importantly the Youths constituency, aligning with the principles of Islamic faith that emphasize kindness, generosity, and compassion.
By hosting iftar events, Seyi is extending a hand of friendship and solidarity to his Muslim brethren, demonstrating a willingness to engage in interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange. This act of goodwill can help foster greater understanding and mutual respect between people of different faiths, promoting a more harmonious and inclusive society.
I would have completely ignored the controversy surrounding Seyi’s visit until I saw highly respected figures exchanging words on social media. The fact that prominent individuals felt compelled to weigh in on the issue suggests that Seyi’s actions have resonated deeply, sparking a necessary conversation about the importance of interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange in our society.
Young Aishatu Kabu and Ukasha Rabiu Magama have been vocal about the importance of respecting Northern culture, suggesting that Seyi Tinubu should be schooled on this aspect. However, Seyi’s actions have already demonstrated his respect for the culture. His outfits, which reflect the traditional Hausa/Fulani attire, such as the jalabiya, which has an Arab-like appearance commonly worn by northerners, showcase his effort to connect with the local customs .
Moreover, Seyi’s gestures, like bowing down to greet Northern elders and traditional rulers, have been well-noted. His visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, as highlighted by Reno Omokri, further underscores his willingness to engage with and respect the cultural norms of the North. These actions speak louder than words, and it’s essential to recognize Seyi’s efforts to build bridges and foster greater understanding between different cultures.
George Onmonya Daniel , a social media critic, has been leading the conversation and mocking northerners over Seyi Tinubu’s iftar events. However, I see these events as a great honor, and it’s worth noting that Seyi is the first son of a president to engage in such a gesture since 1999. He is never a respecter of the North and its people, Seyi seem to understands better our culture and our religion a million times George does.
It is clear that George’s grudges would not dictate the North’s decision to support President Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023. The North has shown its willingness to replicate this support, demonstrating that Seyi’s efforts to connect with the community are valued. George’s criticism aside, Seyi’s actions have sparked a positive conversation about interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange.
Seyi Tinubu’s recent visit to the North has been met with skepticism by many, who view it as a political move, particularly with the National Daily Trust’s caption suggesting it’s the kickoff for his father’s 2027 re-election campaign. However, this criticism overlooks the genuine efforts Seyi is making to bring young people together and strengthen ties for the future. As a young man himself, Seyi’s initiatives aim to foster connections between the Presidency and the youth in the North, promoting a sense of inclusivity and cooperation.
Unfortunately, some individuals have chosen to ridicule Seyi’s visit, even going so far as to mock the office of the Vice President, currently held by Senator Kashim Shettima. Others have raised baseless questions about who is funding the visit, further muddying the waters. It’s essential to focus on the positive impact of Seyi’s efforts, rather than allowing political agendas to undermine his gestures of goodwill. By doing so, we can promote a more constructive dialogue and build bridges between different communities, ultimately strengthening our society as a whole.
Seyi Tinubu’s impact is undeniable, and it’s interesting that you bring up the late General Sani Abacha’s regime, whose son Ibrahim Abacha also made a significant impact on his friends. However, Seyi’s influence extends far beyond his personal relationships. For instance, he recently donated items worth over 100 million naira to students affected by the flood in Maiduguri, Borno State. This generous gesture demonstrates his commitment to supporting those in need.
Seyi’s influence can also be seen in the appointments of young people to various offices. During his time, young individuals have become key drivers of government decisions, moving beyond mere theoretical contributions. This shift is a testament to Seyi’s efforts to empower and involve young people in the decision-making process. By doing so, he’s creating a more inclusive and dynamic governance structure that values the input of younger generations.
As young people, it’s essential that we shift our focus away from envy and negativity. Instead, we should work together to create an environment that fosters development and offers hope for the future. Despite the numerous challenges confronting young people in Nigeria, we have the power to shape our own destiny and create a brighter future for ourselves.
Seyi’s visit should be seen as a genuine effort to build stronger ties with young people, rather than a politically motivated move. Unlike some children of Northern elites, who tend to be inaccessible, Seyi has made himself available and open to engagement. In fact, he is one of the few notable figures, along with Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed and @Muhammed Bello El-Rufai, who are actively working to connect with the youth and foster meaningful relationships.
By supporting initiatives that promote youth empowerment, education, and economic opportunities, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous society. Let’s channel our energy into constructive endeavors that bring about positive change, rather than tearing each other down. As we move forward, let’s draw inspiration from individuals like Seyi Tinubu, who are working tirelessly to empower young people and create a better future for all Nigerians.
In conclusion, the buzz and fuss surrounding Seyi Tinubu’s visit to the North will eventually subside, but the impact of his genuine efforts to connect with young people, promote cultural exchange, and empower the youth will linger on. As the dust settles, it’s clear that Seyi’s visit has sparked a renewed sense of hope and optimism among young Nigerians, and his commitment to their development and growth will continue to inspire and motivate them.
Danaudi, Public Affairs Analysts Writes From Bauchi Via danaudicomrade@gmail.com
