Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed strong confidence in the current administration’s ability to deliver on its promises, assuring Nigerians of a brighter future and significant economic transformation. Her remarks were made during a ceremony in Ile-Ife, where she was honored with the title of Yeye Asiwaju Oodua by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
A New Era of Hope and Prosperity
Senator Tinubu declared that Nigeria is embarking on a path of renewed hope and prosperity. She reassured citizens that the nation would experience a remarkable economic turnaround by 2026, dismissing the doubts of critics and promising tangible results.
“Today is not a day for lengthy speeches,” she stated. “I want to express my gratitude to the people of Ile-Ife, and I thank the Ooni of Ife for bestowing such an honor upon me. Nigeria’s joy has arrived. To those who question how we will accomplish our goals, we will demonstrate how things are done.”
She further emphasized her optimism about the country’s economic prospects under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, predicting that Nigeria would become a lender to other nations. “By 2026, Nigeria will be prosperous, and other countries will seek financial assistance from us. It is important to declare here, at the cradle of the Yoruba people, that during President Bola Tinubu’s administration, people will marvel at how he achieved such milestones.”
Conferment of the Yeye Asiwaju Oodua Title
The Ooni of Ife bestowed the title of Yeye Asiwaju of Oodua Land upon the First Lady in recognition of her contributions to national unity, women’s empowerment, and the preservation of Nigerian cultural heritage.
Speaking at the conferment ceremony held at Enuwa Square, Ile-Ife, the Ooni described the First Lady as a pillar of support for the nation. He stated, “Yeye Asiwaju Oodua is a title that reflects leadership, service, compassion, and commitment to the progress of the Yoruba race and the Nigerian nation at large.”
The Ooni further added, “The First Lady has been a mother since I ascended the throne… The First Lady has been very nice to everyone; she is indeed a mother.”
Governor Adeleke’s Remarks
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, lauded the Ooni for his efforts in revitalizing Yoruba tradition and culture.
“The last decade has witnessed a dramatic revival of the tradition and culture of the Yoruba people,” Governor Adeleke noted. “Our father, the Ooni of Ife, is leading the charge with elegance. His Imperial Majesty has brought a touch of class to royalty. He has rebranded the tradition and made Yoruba a proud nation all over the world.”
He continued, “Our royal father has demonstrated what it means to have an empowered royal father. With a strong economic footing and limitless capacity for local and global networking, His Majesty is changing the narrative of traditional rulership. In the last decade, His Imperial Majesty has pushed ahead with the branding of Ile-Ife as the cultural capital of the Yoruba people.”
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by a host of prominent figures, including:
- Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State
- Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State
- Former Governor Ibikunle Amosun
- Senators Bamidele Opeyemi
- Senator Solomon Adeola
- Senator Francis Fadahunsi
- Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi
The wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, led a delegation of wives of Governors, female ministers, wives of Senators, House of Representative members, and wives of service chiefs to the event.
Furthermore, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, led other traditional rulers, including:
- The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III
- The Orangun of Ila
- The Soun of Ogbomoso
- The Deji of Akure
Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the broad support for the First Lady’s recognition.
