First Lady optimistic about 2026 prosperity for Nigeria, declares ‘…other countries will come and borrow money from us…’
… receive traditional honour of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodu’a in Ile-Ife
… dignitaries were present to grace the occasion.
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed optimism in the ongoing reforms and economic rebound, declaring that by 2026, other countries would be borrowing from Nigeria.
Tinubu made a disclosure at Ile-Ife, Osun State, shortly after she was installed as Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodu’a on Sunday, a ceremony held at the Palace Square to mark the 10th coronation anniversary of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi on the throne of his forebears.
She stressed that ongoing reforms would soon reposition Nigeria as a financial pillar in the region, boasting that President Bola Tinubu’s government will show critics and leaders around the world how best to govern.
According to her, “Nigeria’s joy has come, those wondering how we want to do it, we will show them how things are being done.
“By 2026, Nigeria will be in prosperity, and other countries will come and borrow money from us. It is important to say it here at the source of the Yoruba cradle today, that during this present administration led by President Bola Tinubu, they will wonder how he was able to achieve such a milestone.”
She congratulated Ooni and prayed for a peaceful, developmental reign.
“Today is not a day of long speeches. I want to thank the people of Ile-Ife. I also thank the Ooni of Ile-Ife for bestowing such honour.”
Earlier, Oba Ogunwusi rededicated himself to the service of humanity and social development, especially among youths across the country.
He also described the First Lady as a blessing to Nigeria, which formed the reason she was installed as Yeye-Asiwaju because she has contributed to the welfare of women and girl child, urging her to do more.
“The First Lady has been a mother since I ascended the throne. She has been very nice to everyone, especially women and the girl-child; she is indeed a mother.
“I will install you as Yeye Asiwaju of Oodua land on behalf of all traditional rulers, including the Itsekiri land, and in the presence of the Sultan. We did it for the President five years ago, but today, thank God, he released the first lady for the rites.”
Also, the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his remark, congratulated Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for transforming the throne and elevating Yoruba culture.
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, described the First Lady as a round peg in a round hole for the chieftaincy title.
“We as a government have in you, a partner in exporting Yoruba culture and tradition to the world, and we are committed to uplifting infrastructure in the ancient city to attract more tourists to Ile-Ife”, he added.
Other governors at the event include Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, and former Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Also at the gathering are Senators Bamidele Opeyemi, Solomon Adeola, Francis Fadahunsi, and Olubiyi Fadeyi.
The wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, led wives of Governors, female ministers, wives of Senators, House of Representatives members, and wives of service chiefs to the event.
Among the dignitaries who reflected Ooni’s wide-reaching influence across Nigeria and beyond are the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo; Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun; Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi; Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye, alongside many other royal fathers from across Yorubaland and Nigeria.
Also, in attendance were Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, former First Lady, Patience Jonathan.
Also present are Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, wife of the Minister of Defence; Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Kalu, wife of the Deputy Speaker; Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President; Mrs. Titilayo Adeleke, wife of the Osun State Governor; the Yeyelaje of Oodua, Chief (Mrs.) Toyin Kolade, and former Oyo First Lady, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi.
