KEY POINTS

• Nigeria’s prosperity forecast was central to Remi Tinubu’s remarks.
• She said the country could lend to other nations by 2026.
• Political and traditional leaders attended the ceremony in Ile-Ife.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the country is heading toward a period of growth that could leave it strong enough to lend money to other nations by 2026. She made the remarks on Sunday in Ile-Ife, Osun State, shortly after receiving the chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua.

The event, part of the celebrations marking the Ooni of Ife’s 10th coronation anniversary, drew a large crowd of political leaders and traditional rulers.

Nigeria’s prosperity forecast

Remi Tinubu addressed attendees in a mix of Yoruba and English. She thanked the Ooni of Ife for the honour and described the gathering as a significant moment for the Yoruba people. She said those questioning the direction of the country would soon see evidence of progress.

According to Punch, her comments pointed to expectations that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will deliver achievements that draw national and international attention. She said Nigeria’s prosperity was approaching and expressed confidence that the country could reach a point where it supports other nations financially.

Voices at the ceremony

The event drew several notable figures. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo attended alongside the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima. They were joined by former First Lady Patience Jonathan, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and former House Speaker Dimeji Bankole.

Also present were former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, Deputy Governor of Osun State Kola Adewusi and former Osun First Lady Kafayat Oyetola.

Traditional rulers at the ceremony 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. The Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, praised Oluremi Tinubu for her consistent support since he became king. The Sultan offered prayers for the Ooni’s reign and called for guidance for Nigeria’s leaders.

State outlook and cultural ties

Governor Adeleke used the occasion to highlight the Ooni’s work in promoting Yoruba heritage. He said the monarch had strengthened the global identity of Yoruba culture through his leadership and economic initiatives.

Adeleke also outlined state projects designed to improve Ile-Ife’s infrastructure. He said the government had completed 14 roads and was close to finishing the town’s first flyover. He added that the state plans to work closely with the Ooni to continue building Ile-Ife as a cultural center.