First Lady Foresees Era of Prosperity as Nigeria Targets Role as Global Lender

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed увер‌confidence that the nation is on a path to major economic growth, predicting that Nigeria will eventually extend financial support to other countries. She spoke in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Sunday after receiving the chieftaincy title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua during events marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The ceremony drew prominent personalities from across the country, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima; former First Lady Patience Jonathan; Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); as well as former House Speaker Dimeji Bankole. Other dignitaries present included former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Osun Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, and former Osun First Lady Kafayat Oyetola.

Several traditional rulers also attended, among them 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. In her brief remarks, Mrs Tinubu thanked the people of Ile-Ife and the Ooni for the honour, assuring Nigerians that prosperity was within reach. She stated that under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the country would achieve milestones that would surprise many, predicting that by 2026 Nigeria would be prosperous enough to lend to other nations.

Earlier, the Ooni praised the First Lady for her steady support since his ascension to the throne, while also acknowledging the role of former President Obasanjo in strengthening the palace over the years. The Sultan of Sokoto, in his goodwill message, prayed for the monarch’s long reign and called on Nigerians to support national leaders in their efforts to guide the country toward progress.

Governor Adeleke described Oba Ogunwusi as a reform-minded monarch who has added prestige to traditional rulership and elevated Yoruba culture on the global stage. He highlighted the state government’s partnership with the Ooni to develop Ile-Ife, noting that 14 road projects have been completed, several others are underway, and the city’s first flyover is nearing completion as part of efforts to enhance Ile-Ife’s status as the cultural capital of the Yoruba people.