Today is a special day as both President Bola Tinubu and Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, mark their birthdays. It is a unique moment of shared joy between the neighboring nations, despite their occasional differences over jollof rice, music, and football.
While Nigerians celebrate Tinubu, Ghanaians send warm wishes to their leader. Both presidents hail from influential backgrounds.
Tinubu, aged 72, was born into the merchant family of Abibatu Mogaji, the esteemed Iyaloja of Lagos. On the other hand, Akufo-Addo, 80, was born to a well-known Ghanaian royal and political family in Swalaba, Ghana.
Akufo-Addo pursued Law in the UK and was admitted to the bar in England and later in Ghana. Tinubu studied at Southwest College in Chicago before transferring to Chicago State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with Honors in Accounting.
Tinubu’s political journey started in 1992, eventually leading him to the governorship of Lagos state and the formation of the All Progressives Congress party. He won the 2023 presidential election over notable candidates.
Contrastingly, Akufo-Addo, a lawyer and politician, became Ghana’s president in 2017 after a series of political roles within the New Patriotic Party. His journey to presidency wasn’t without challenges, including contested elections.
Both leaders are currently facing critical junctures in their leadership. Nigeria grapples with economic challenges and rising kidnappings, while Akufo-Addo deals with contentious legislation regarding LGBTQ rights.