[Opinion] Of Tinubu, Tosin Shoga and the Power of Humility
By Shafihi Abdulrasheed, anipr
It has been eight days since the City Boy Movement met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the State House during the event dubbed “An Evening with the Original City Boy.” But one picture from that gathering has continued to attract attention. I have looked at it repeatedly, and each time, I find something worth reflecting upon. Then I ask myself: What is so special about this picture? What exactly makes this moment different from the hundreds of photographs taken that evening? Is it the personality of President Tinubu or the young man bowing before him? Then, I think the answer lies in what the picture represents.
The young man in the picture is Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, Director General of the City Boy Movement and a proud son of Ijebu in Ogun State. For anyone familiar with the Yoruba tradition, particularly the emphasis placed on ‘omoluabi’, which embodies good character, respect, integrity and proper upbringing, Shoga gesture should come as no surprise. Shoga’s Ijebu roots gave me a cultural context for understanding the humility he displayed before the President. Among the Yoruba, respect for elders is not only a social obligation; it is a virtue instilled from childhood.
Then, Shoga appears to carry that heritage with admirable ease. Despite his growing influence and responsibilities, he has not allowed his position to get into his head. His bow was not an act of submission born out of weakness, but an expression of respect rooted in upbringing and character. As our elders would say, ọmọlúàbí kì í gbàgbé ilé — a person of good character does not forget home or upbringing. In that brief moment, Shoga reminded us that a man can rise in life without losing the values that shaped him.
Meanwhile, there is also something to be said about President Tinubu. Whatever opinions people hold about his politics, his long-standing involvement in political organisation and mentorship is part of his public history. The President has spent decades building relationships across generations, and his engagement with the City Boy Movement fits into that age long tradition. I believe young people need opportunities to learn from those who have travelled the road before them, even when they do not agree on every issue. Experience remains a valuable teacher. Tinubu’s interaction with these young stakeholders raises an important question about how established leaders can make room for younger Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development. After all, leadership should not end with occupying an office; it should also involve preparing others for responsibility.
Now, back to Tosin Shoga. What particularly interests me is how naturally his humility sits alongside the responsibilities he carries. From his interactions with colleagues, support groups to his engagement with young Nigerians, Shoga projects a leadership disposition that places people before titles. He understands that respect is not reserved for those who occupy high offices; it is equally due to the ordinary man whose contribution may never attract public attention. This is where his Ijebu upbringing and the ‘omoluabi’ philosophy find practical expression.
Eight days have passed, but the photograph continues to speak. I see in it more than a young man greeting the President. I see the values of a proud Ijebu son, the dignity of good upbringing and the confidence of a leader who understands that humility and authority can coexist. The picture may have brought his humility into public view, but it is his conduct, commitment and service that give that humility its worth. And perhaps that is why, eight days later, you and I still find ourselves returning to this photograph. Hence, the picture reminds me of a lesson our parents taught us long ago: no matter how tall a tree grows, its roots remain firmly in the soil.
Abdulrasheed is a PR practitioner and media aide to the Director General of City Boy Movement. He can be reached via sharvee2@gmail.com | +2348109941929
SHAFIHI ABDULRASHEED is a communication strategist and media professional with expertise in public relations, strategic communication, and crisis management. A graduate of the University of Ilorin with a degree in Sociology and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Peace and Security Studies, Shafihi holds the professional credential of Associate, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (ANIPR). His career spans media relations, perception management, policy communication, and organizational leadership. He possesses over a decade of experience working with government, non-profit organizations, and private sector clients on matters of strategic communication and public engagement.
