Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed optimism about the country’s economic future, predicting that Nigeria will be in a position to lend to other nations by 2026. She described a period of great prosperity ahead for the nation.

Senator Tinubu made the statement on Sunday in Ile-Ife, Osun State, shortly after being honored with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua at an event marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The ceremony drew several prominent figures, 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 dignitaries in attendance included former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Deputy Governors Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (Lagos) and Kola Adewusi (Osun), the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and former Osun First Lady, Kafayat Oyetola. Traditional rulers such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun; and Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, were also present.

In her remarks, Mrs. Tinubu thanked the Ooni and the people of Ile-Ife for the honor, saying:
“Today is not about long speeches. I want to express my gratitude to the people of Ile-Ife and to the Ooni for this recognition. Nigeria’s joy has arrived. By 2026, Nigeria will be prosperous, and we will be in a position to lend to other nations. Under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, people will marvel at the milestones we have achieved.”

Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, praised Senator Tinubu for her support since his ascension, while acknowledging the role of former President Obasanjo in strengthening the throne.

In a goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto prayed for the Ooni’s long reign and called for divine guidance for the nation’s leaders to steer the country in the right direction.

Governor Adeleke commended Oba Ogunwusi for elevating the stature of the Yoruba royalty and rebranding Ile-Ife as a global cultural center. “Our royal father has demonstrated what it means to be an empowered monarch, combining economic strength with extensive local and international networking. Over the past decade, he has advanced Ile-Ife as the cultural capital of the Yoruba people,” he said.

The governor added that his administration would continue to support the Ooni’s vision, noting ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Ile-Ife, including 14 completed roads and the near completion of the first-ever flyover in the historic city.