Amina Mohammed: Tinubu Never Complained About Inherited Challenges, Says UN Deputy Chief

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed says she has never heard President Bola Tinubu complain about the challenges he inherited when he assumed office.

Mohammed made the remarks at an award dinner at Nigeria House in New York to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary and the Independence Day Parade and Carnival.

The UN deputy chief noted that while “people around him complain about what he inherited,” Tinubu himself has avoided doing so.

“He fought hard to get to that seat, even saying it was his turn. But he also told us that he wasn’t going to complain about what he got. I have not heard him complain,” she said.

Mohammed added: “So far, he is the president of Nigeria. It is God that put him on that seat. It is therefore incumbent upon us to get behind him and do the best we can for Nigeria. Except you’re trying to tell me that God made a mistake.”

She congratulated Nigeria on its 65th independence anniversary, stressing that nation-building requires the collective effort of citizens both at home and abroad.

“Unless you are part of building a nation, no one else is going to do it for you,” she said, warning against a “pull-down syndrome” that undermines national progress.

Mohammed also called for stronger youth mentorship and women’s empowerment. With youth comprising 70% of Nigeria’s population, she urged “intergenerational dialogue” and greater inclusion of young people in leadership.

On women, she emphasised: “Nigeria is flying on half a wing. We have an eagle, it’s only got one wing, and the other wing has to be lifted for us to fly higher. Women count—not just because of numbers, but because of their value as professionals, rural workers, and leaders.”

Mohammed, who will complete her eight-year tenure as UN Deputy Secretary-General in December 2025, said she looks forward to returning home to contribute to Africa’s development.

“I hope that all of you will pray for my safe return home next year, because there are things to do at home, and there are things to do on the continent,” she said.

She also praised the Nigerian government’s move to introduce Chinese language into schools, describing it as a strategic step given China’s global role in trade.

Throughout her remarks, Mohammed urged Nigerians to take pride in their resilience: “Nigerians are the hardest working, most ambitious, and proud people. Our culture and determination are our greatest strengths.”

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