Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has projected a period of unprecedented economic growth for the country, declaring that by 2026, Nigeria will be in a position to lend money to other nations.
She made the remarks on Sunday in Ile-Ife, Osun State, shortly after being conferred with the chieftaincy title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua during the celebrations marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Speaking at the Palace Square in Ile-Ife, the First Lady expressed optimism that ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration would soon reposition Nigeria as a regional financial powerhouse.
“Nigeria’s joy has come,” she said, noting that critics and sceptics would witness how the government intends to achieve its ambitious milestones.
“By 2026, Nigeria will be in prosperity, and other countries will come and borrow money from us,” she said.
The ceremony drew a host of dignitaries from across Nigeria. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, as well as senators including Opeyemi Bamidele, Solomon Adeola, Francis Fadahunsi, and Olubiyi Fadeyi, attended the event.
Also present were the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, along with the spouses of federal lawmakers, ministers, and state officials.
Traditional rulers from across Nigeria attended the event, highlighting the national significance of the chieftaincy conferment. Among them 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.
In her remarks, Senator Tinubu acknowledged the honour conferred upon her, thanking the Ooni of Ife and the people of Ile-Ife. She emphasised that her recent public appearances had been limited, with her previous major social engagement being her 50th birthday celebration, making the ceremony particularly significant.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, described the First Lady as a “blessing to Nigeria,” noting that her dedication to women and girl-child empowerment justified her selection as Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua.
Oba Ogunwusi urged her to continue contributing to social development and public welfare, especially for youths and women across the country.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo commended the Ooni for transforming the throne and promoting Yoruba culture, while congratulating the First Lady on her installation.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke also praised the Ooni’s efforts in elevating Yoruba cultural heritage and pledged state support for further infrastructure upgrades in Ile-Ife.
Adeleke highlighted the completion of 14 roads and ongoing construction projects, including the city’s first-ever flyover, as part of a broader vision to position Ile-Ife as a cultural and tourism hub.
Other political figures at the event included the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole; and Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi. Former and serving first ladies, including Patience Jonathan, Kafayat Oyetola, and Lilian Oghogho Musa, were also in attendance.
