Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has predicted that the country will not only overcome its economic challenges but will rise to the point of lending money to other nations, declaring that “great prosperity lies ahead.”
She made the remark on Sunday in Ile-Ife, Osun State, shortly after she was conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua. The event formed part of activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The ceremony drew an array of political leaders, royal fathers and dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo; wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima; ex-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.
Also present were former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; Lagos Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Osun Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi; and ex-Osun First Lady Kafayat Oyetola.
Traditional rulers in attendance included 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 remarks, Senator Tinubu praised the Ooni for the honour bestowed on her and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s imminent economic turnaround.
“Nigeria’s joy has come,” she declared. “Those wondering how we want to do it, we will show them how things are done. 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 achievements.”
Tributes to the Ooni
Earlier, the Ooni of Ife lauded Oluremi Tinubu’s longstanding support for the throne since his ascension. He also acknowledged former President Obasanjo’s continuous guidance and contributions to the kingdom.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, prayed for a long and impactful reign for the Ooni, urging Nigerians to pray for their leaders to steer the country in the right direction.
Adeleke hails Ooni’s cultural influence
Governor Ademola Adeleke praised Oba Ogunwusi for redefining Yoruba traditional institutions on the global stage.
“Our royal father has brought a touch of class to royalty,” he said. “In the last decade, he has branded Ile-Ife as the cultural capital of the Yoruba people.”
Adeleke added that the Osun State Government was committed to supporting this vision, noting that 14 roads had been completed in Ile-Ife, with several others ongoing, including the town’s first-ever flyover nearing completion.
