Bola Tinubu sworn in as president of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation

Bola Tinubu became Nigeria’s president on Monday during a period of unprecedented challenges for Africa’s most populous country.

Thousands of Nigerians and several heads of government attended the swearing-in ceremony for the 71-year-old Tinubu in the country’s capital, Abuja.

The presidents of Ghana and Rwanda were among a number of leaders from across the continent who were present.

He succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari to lead a country that by 2050 is forecast to become the third most populous nation in the world, tied with the United States after India and China.

Tinubu — the former governor of Lagos, which is Nigeria’s economic hub — has promised to build on Buhari’s efforts to deliver democratic dividends to citizens in a country where deadly security crises, widespread poverty and hunger have left many frustrated and angry.

And with his election still being contested in court by opposition parties and among many young Nigerians, Tinubu has also pledged to reunite the country.

In his first speech as president, Tinubu promised to run an inclusive government.

“Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you,” he added. “We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own.”

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