The Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG), Honourable Bamidele Atoyebi, has called on members and Nigerians at large to embrace a culture of practical problem-solving, saying leadership is measured by the ability to provide sustainable solutions rather than merely identifying societal challenges.

Atoyebi described every BAT-IG member as “a rightful heir to the Asiwaju leadership throne,” stressing that members are expected to become solution providers capable of addressing public challenges through innovation, research and strategic engagement with government institutions.

Honourable Atoyebi said the leadership philosophy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently been built on mentoring individuals, resolving difficult situations through strategic thinking and empowering others to become independent problem-solvers.

To illustrate this philosophy, Atoyebi recounted an incident dating back to about 1995 when a young woman approached Tinubu seeking financial assistance to establish an eatery business. Rather than offering immediate financial support, Tinubu challenged her to choose between receiving money or benefiting from his ideas. After she opted for mentorship, he advised her to reconsider her proposed business and explore alternative opportunities through his international network. Following discussions with a United Kingdom-based parliamentarian, she redirected her interest to the education sector and eventually secured a £100,000 grant, a development Atoyebi said demonstrated the long-term value of knowledge and strategic guidance over temporary financial assistance.

Honourable Bamidele Atoyebi also narrated an account shared by Alhaji Tejumade involving a politician in Alimosho Local Government Area who had repeatedly failed to secure elective office despite his contributions to the party. During a meeting with Tinubu, the political leader established the man’s credibility through a series of questions before contacting the political leadership in Alimosho.

 Following the conversation, the individual was immediately endorsed as the party’s House of Representatives flag bearer, effectively removing the political obstacles standing in his way.

Atoyebi cited another involving a recalcitrant businessman who owed Alhaji Tejumade a substantial amount of money and had resisted every attempt at repayment despite legal and administrative interventions. Atoyebi explained that Tinubu, while acknowledging the debtor’s reputation, identified the one person capable of influencing him—his father. Acting on that advice, Alhaji Tejumade travelled to the man’s hometown, presented the matter to the elderly parent, who immediately contacted his son and instructed him to settle the debt. The outstanding payment was made by cheque the following day.