By Peter
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed optimism about the nation’s economic future, predicting that Nigeria will soon become prosperous enough to lend money to other countries.
She made the remark on Sunday in Ile-Ife, Osun State, after receiving the chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua during the grand celebration of the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The ceremony drew an array of prominent personalities, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima; former First Lady, Patience Jonathan; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole.
Other dignitaries in attendance included former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Osun Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi; as well as former Osun First Lady, Kafayat Oyetola.
Traditional rulers present were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.
Mrs. Tinubu, appreciating the honour bestowed on her, declared that Nigeria was on the path to remarkable economic growth.
“Today is not a day for long speeches. I thank the people of Ile-Ife, and I thank the Ooni for this honour,” she said. “Nigeria’s joy has come. Those who are wondering how we will do it — we will show them. By 2026, Nigeria will be in prosperity; we will be lending to other nations. During President Bola Tinubu’s administration, people will marvel at the progress achieved.”
Speaking earlier, the Ooni of Ife praised the First Lady for her support since his ascension to the throne and acknowledged the steady backing of former President Obasanjo.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, in his goodwill message, prayed for a long and impactful reign for the Ooni and urged citizens to continue praying for national leaders so they can guide the country rightly.
Governor Adeleke commended the Ooni, describing him as a modern monarch who has elevated the prestige of Yoruba royalty and transformed Ile-Ife into a globally recognised cultural hub.
He highlighted the state government’s commitment to partnering with the Ooni to advance that vision. According to him, 14 roads have already been completed in Ile-Ife, with many more underway, including the city’s first flyover, now nearing completion.
