Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has stated that her husband, President Bola Tinubu, should not be held responsible for the current economic challenges in the country. Since the removal of fuel subsidy, Nigerians have been facing increased economic strain, with the pump price of petrol soaring from N198 to N1,030.
President Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, arguing that the policy was hindering Nigeria’s progress. However, while addressing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at his palace on Thursday, the First Lady defended her husband’s administration, which she described as still in its early stages.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu was in Ife to inaugurate a new hostel and a 2.7-kilometer road donated to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, by the Ooni of Ife. The hostel and road were named after her in recognition of her contributions.
In her speech, she said, “We are just 18 months into our administration; we are not the cause of the current situation; we are trying to fix it and secure the future. We know that subsidy has been removed, but with God on our side, in the next two years, Nigeria will be greater than this. Those who attempted removing subsidy before could not see it through. But with your prayers, in the next two years, we will build a nation for the future.”
She went on to emphasize that her husband is not motivated by greed and expressed gratitude to God for his emergence as Nigeria’s president. “We give glory to God for our status. Myself and my husband, we are not greedy, but we thank God for what He has done for us.
It is not common for wealthy people to reach this position, but I am grateful to God. We cannot disappoint Nigeria, and with God’s help, we are on the path to the promised land in no distant time,” she added.
In a generous gesture, the First Lady, who revealed that she graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University 41 years ago, donated N1 billion to the institution for its development and advancement.During the event, the Ooni of Ife praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for being a positive role model for young people, even before her role as Nigeria’s First Lady.
The Ooni highlighted her impact during her time as the First Lady of Lagos State, particularly through the New Era Initiative, which inspired youth through programs like the “One Day Governor” event. The initiative, which offered young boys and girls from secondary schools in Lagos the opportunity to serve as governor for a day, was described by the Ooni as a significant milestone that encouraged many young people to aspire for greatness.
He noted, “I have been a keen admirer of Senator Oluremi Tinubu since I was a young man living in Lagos. One of the major initiatives that drew my attention was the New Era Initiative, especially the ‘One Day Governor’ program, which was totally detribalized and gave young secondary school students a chance to be Governor of Lagos State for a day. This initiative has been a milestone and an inspiration for many young people to aim higher and excel.”
