President Bola Tinubu humorously addressed a viral video showing him stumbling, during his speech at the Democracy Day dinner held on June 12, 2024. He playfully explained that his fall was a traditional Yoruba gesture of respect, known as “dobale.”

“Early this morning, I had a swagger and it is on social media. They are confused on whether I was doing Buga or doing Babariga, but it is a day to celebrate democracy while doing ‘dobale’ for the day. I am a traditional Yoruba boy and I did my Dobale,” Tinubu quipped.

Beyond the light-hearted moment, President Tinubu stressed the importance of national orientation and collective effort in fostering a prosperous future for Nigeria. “Nigeria is blessed, our complexity, our diversity is there, but it is the best road to success. Whatever we have to invest in our national orientation, we have to do it,” he declared.

Highlighting the essence of service embedded in the national anthem, Tinubu acknowledged the dedication of governors across various political affiliations. “I have seen many governors, both live and on TV, serving their people. They belong to other parties and many of them are here tonight. Thank you, Governor Eno of Akwa Ibom, thank you, Governor Okpara, my comrade from Kaduna, thank you, Sheriff and Abia. If I miss you, forgive me. Everybody has forgotten the partisanship column and embraced that green, white, green that depicts Nigeria,” he said.

Tinubu called on governors to redouble their efforts in fostering a sense of duty and national character among citizens. “Citizenship is not just the dictionary meaning of it, it is the actual character. Let us teach this to our children, so that Nigeria collectively, we will do the job that we are called upon to do as both family or nation under God almighty,” he urged.