Ministerial nominee Bosun Tijani apologises for past tweets, justifies merit-based nomination

A ministerial nominee, Bosun Tijani, has apologised over some tweets credited to him in the past. This is as he justified his nomination by President Bola Tinubu, clarifying that “I have no father or mother. I have no political godfather too. I appreciate being nominated on merit and the works that I have done.”

He made the apology while facing the Nigerian Senate for screening on Saturday where questions about his past tweets were asked.

While responding to a question from Senator Abdulfatai Buhari who is representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Bosun explained the circumstances surrounding some of his tweets.

The Information Communication Technology expert narrated how he felt embarrassed with the way officials at the Chinese Embassy treated him for holding a Nigerian passport.

He also explained how he had to intervene on behalf of many Nigerian youths arrested by the police for carrying a laptop.

“I am a patriotic Nigerian. I believe so much in this country and I won’t do anything to undermine the integrity of this country.

“The tweets online don’t represent me at all. As a young man born and bred by Yoruba parents, tender my sincere apology. I am profusely sorry,” he pleaded.

“My commitment to His Excellency, Mr President and to you Distinguished Senators, and indeed all Nigerians, is to give my best with the same passion and conviction that I have demonstrated all my life to achieve the President’s economic and prosperity agenda,” he added.

Senator IshakuAbbo, who is representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, rose to Tijani’s defense, saying the nominee had the quality to deliver.

Also, Senator Solomon Adeola from Ogun West Senatorial Districtdefended the nominee from his state, saying his “shortcoming” should be forgiven.

Adeola also said Tijani has what it takes to use his skills to develop Nigeria’s IT industry.

Accepting the nominee’s apology, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said, “We are all fathers, and we cannot throw the baby away with the bath water…On behalf of the Senate, I want to accept your apology,” Akpabio said.

Akpabio, subsequently, asked the nominee to take a bow.

At this point, I would like to share a bit of context as to who I am and what I can contribute in support of Mr President’s agenda, subject to your confirmation.

Bosun appreciated President Tinubu for nominating him to serve in a “crucial capacity”.

Rolling out his credentials, the nominee said his journey into public service was driven by a deep-rooted passion “for our great nation and an unyielding commitment to its progress”.

He said, “Throughout my career, I have been privileged to witness firsthand the untapped potential and boundless possibilities that Nigeria holds. However, I am also acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead, and it is with a sense of purpose and determination that I present myself before you today.

“Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Jos; Masters degree in Information Systems and Management from Warwick Business School; a Doctorate degree in Innovation and Economic Development from the University of Leicester.

“In addition, I have also attended several executive and professional courses in Innovation, Leadership and Economic Development from institutions such as the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Stanford University and the African Leadership Institute.

“I am a Fellow of the Centre for Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law at the prestigious Stanford University and a Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow.

“I am also currently an Adjunct Researcher focused on Digital Epidemiology at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research andan Adjunct Researcher at the Wits School of Governance, South Africa.”

Bosun noted that he’s focused on driving the application of knowledge for enterprise and economic prosperity.

He said, “I returned to Nigeria to co-found Co-Creation Hub in 2010, as Nigeria’s first technology innovation hub which has now grown to become the largest technology hub in Africa with a physical presence in Kenya, Rwanda and Namibia, delivering projects and activities reaching over 17 countries in Africa.

“It is my conviction that we must prioritise the role of Technology and Innovation in raising the productivity level across our economy. We can leverage technology to increase the contribution of multiple sectors, such as Education, the Creative Industry, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Transport and Security, to our GDP.”

The IT guru also expressed readiness to work with the Tinubu’s administration, and assured quality service delivery.

“Many of the prosperous nations that we admire have been built on a strong foundation of innovation. We are blessed as a nation with a significant young population which is a critical resource for harnessing the opportunities offered by Technology and Innovation in support of Mr. President’s stated goal of building a prosperous Nigeria for all.

“I look forward to working with all stakeholders across Government and the organised private sector to provide intentional support that empowers the best of our young population, so they can continue to contribute to the achievement of the prosperous, inclusive and peaceful society that we all desire,” he said.