President Tinubu Recalls Humble Beginnings as a Taxi Driver, Recounts Memorable Lesson Learned

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a recently published biography titled “Tinubu: My Life as a Gypsy Cab Driver in the US” authored by renowned Nigerian journalist Mike Awoyinfa, reflects on his days as a taxi driver and shares an unforgettable incident from his past. The biography delves into the personal journey of the president, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the valuable lessons he learned during his early years.

Tinubu’s foray into the taxi driving profession, which he undertook in Chicago, was driven by his need for financial stability before pursuing higher education. Recounting those days, he revealed, “We acquired an unregistered used car commonly referred to as a Gypsy, which we operated as a taxi service. Our primary base was the airport, where we picked up passengers and transported them to their destinations. Operating outside this area, such as at hotels, was prohibited for unlicensed cab drivers.”

The president’s decision to defer his schooling until September, instead of starting in April as originally planned, was driven by his desire to accumulate sufficient funds. He enrolled at Richard Daley College immediately upon arriving in Chicago, skillfully balancing his studies with various menial jobs like working as a door guard and a security personnel. These endeavors allowed him to cover his apartment and tuition fees at Chicago State University.

However, one incident stands out vividly in Tinubu’s memory. He describes an encounter with a naval officer whom he unintentionally overcharged due to his lack of familiarity with the area. In those days, there were no GPS systems available to assist drivers in finding their destinations. The naval officer provided directions to his residence in a Virginia suburb, and Tinubu quoted a price accordingly. Unexpectedly, the officer responded with a forceful slap to his face, reprimanding him for not knowing the correct fare for that particular destination. Despite the unexpected blow, the officer promptly paid the fare.

Reflecting on this incident, Tinubu shares, “As a cab driver, one experience I will never forget was when I inadvertently overcharged a naval officer returning to the country. It was never my intention to do so. Regrettably, I was unfamiliar with the correct fare, as there were no tools like GPS available at that time. In response, the officer delivered a slap to my face, emphasizing the importance of charging the appropriate fare for each destination. He then proceeded to pay me.”

Tinubu’s recollection of this incident serves as a testament to the lessons he learned during his taxi driving days, highlighting the significance of integrity and knowledge in every profession. It is through such humbling experiences that he developed a deep appreciation for fairness and accuracy, principles that have guided him throughout his illustrious career.

In his biography, President Tinubu not only shares his personal journey but also provides valuable insights into the transformative power of perseverance and determination. His story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that humble beginnings can lay the foundation for great achievements.