Nigeria to Lend to Other Nations by 2026 – First Lady Oluremi Tinubu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed optimism about the country’s economic future, saying Nigeria will reach a level of prosperity that will enable it to lend money to other nations by 2026.

She made this statement on Sunday in Ile-Ife, Osun State, shortly after being honoured with the chieftaincy title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua during the ceremony marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The event attracted several prominent dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, former First Lady Patience Jonathan, Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), as well as former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole. Other notable attendees included former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Osun Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi and former Osun First Lady Kafayat Oyetola.

Traditional rulers present 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.

Mrs Tinubu thanked the Ooni and the people of Ile-Ife for the honour, saying the country was entering a season of joy and progress. Speaking in a mix of Yoruba and English, she said Nigerians would soon witness remarkable achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, adding that the nation would attain the level of prosperity needed to support other countries financially by 2026.

In his remarks, Oba Ogunwusi said the First Lady had shown consistent support for the throne since his ascension and acknowledged the role played by former President Obasanjo in strengthening the institution.

The Sultan of Sokoto offered prayers for the Ooni’s long reign and called for prayers for Nigeria’s leaders to guide the country in the right direction.

Governor Adeleke praised the Ooni for modernising traditional leadership and projecting Yoruba culture globally. He said the Osun State Government would continue to partner with the palace to develop Ile-Ife as the cultural capital of the Yoruba people, noting that 14 roads had been completed in the town, with more projects ongoing, including the first-ever flyover in Ile-Ife.