ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu on Monday, June 23, 2025, publicly reconnected with a former schoolmate and neighbour from his days in Chicago, introducing a Belarusian businessman simply identified as Alex during the launch of the Federal Government’s Agricultural Mechanisation Programme.
The event, held in Abuja, marked the official commissioning of 2,000 tractors and assorted equipment aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and food security efforts.
In his address, President Tinubu highlighted the personal significance of the occasion, recalling his shared past with Alex while they lived and studied in the United States.
“To all of you, Alex was my very good neighbour and went to the same school with me in Chicago,” Tinubu said.
“Never did we dream that I would be in this position as President of Nigeria and Alex, a successful businessman from Belarus.”
The President did not provide further details about their time in Chicago or the institution they attended, but his remarks quickly drew attention on social media and among political observers.
Tinubu went on to commend the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for its role in rolling out the mechanisation programme, which is expected to enhance farming efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost food production across the country.
“I sincerely commend the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for their proactive efforts in addressing the food crisis and maintaining stability with our food system,” he said.
“To all of you, Alex was my very good neighbor, and went to the same school with me in Chicago. Never did we dream that I would be in this position as President of Nigeria and Alex a successful businessman from Belarus.” – President Tinubu showcased his schoolmate. pic.twitter.com/rAxCBniXfH
— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) June 23, 2025
