President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, recently stirred light-hearted reactions after revealing a personal story involving Hadiza Bala Usman during her 50th birthday colloquium.
Speaking before an audience made up of political leaders, professionals, and invited guests, Gbajabiamila opened up about what he described as a moment of disappointment in their otherwise close relationship—her decision to keep her marriage private from him.
“She Didn’t Tell Me She Was Getting Married”
In a video shared on SYMFONI’s official YouTube channel, the Chief of Staff revealed that Hadiza Bala Usman never informed him about her wedding plans, despite the close bond they shared over the years.
“The one thing she didn’t tell me was that she was getting married,” he told the audience, drawing laughter and surprise from attendees.
Gbajabiamila explained that what made the situation more shocking was the fact that they had attended events together, including a Christmas gathering in Lagos, without her mentioning her new marital status. According to him, this secrecy left him feeling genuinely disappointed at the time.
Seeking Forgiveness and Restoring Trust
He went on to explain that following the revelation of her marriage, Hadiza Bala Usman made conscious efforts to explain her reasons and rebuild the openness that had defined their friendship.
Gbajabiamila noted that she repeatedly sought forgiveness, acknowledging the silence around her wedding and working to restore the transparency they once shared. During the colloquium, he used the opportunity to publicly forgive her, a gesture that was warmly received by guests at the event.
Praise for Her Leadership and Character
Beyond the personal anecdote, the Chief of Staff used the occasion to shower praise on Hadiza Bala Usman, describing her as intelligent, disciplined, and principled. He referred to her as an “unsung hero” whose contributions to Nigeria often go unnoticed.
He highlighted her involvement in the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, as well as her tenure as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), noting that her leadership brought significant reforms and accountability to the institution.
According to Gbajabiamila, her integrity and work ethic make her a strong role model for young Nigerians aspiring to leadership roles.
Ending on a Light-Hearted Note
The event concluded on a cheerful and humorous note, as Gbajabiamila joked about the “penance” Hadiza Bala Usman had been paying since her wedding secret came to light. His remarks drew laughter from the audience, reinforcing the friendly tone of the exchange.
He wished her a happy and fulfilling marriage, continued success in her public service career, and reaffirmed that their friendship remains strong despite the earlier misunderstanding.