Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has defended her husband, President Bola Tinubu, stating that he should not be blamed for the current economic hardship in the country.
She addressed concerns during her visit to the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, highlighting the administration’s efforts to resolve the economic situation.
Despite Nigerians struggling with rising costs since the removal of the fuel subsidy, which spiked petrol prices from N198 to N1,030, Tinubu and his supporters have maintained that subsidy removal that was announced during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, remains part of his administration’s efforts to push Nigeria towards progress.
While inaugurating a hostel and a 2.7-kilometer road donated by the Ooni to Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ University (OAU), Ile Ife, the First Lady noted that the administration is still in its early stages and is focused on fixing the economy.
“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,” she said. “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.”
Senator Tinubu also dispelled any notions of greed regarding her husband, expressing gratitude for his rise to the presidency.
“We give glory to God for our status, myself and my husband, we are not greedy but we thank God for what God has done for us. It is not common for rich people to get to this seat but I am grateful to God, we can not disappoint Nigeria and with the help of God, we are getting to the promised land in no distant time,” she added.
The First Lady, who graduated from Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ University 41 years ago, also made a significant donation of N1 billion to the university for development.
Meanwhile, the Ooni of Ife praised Oluremi Tinubu for her long-standing role as a role model for young Nigerians, particularly from her days as Lagos State’s First Lady.
“I have been a keen admirer of Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a young man eking out a living in Lagos. One of my major attractions was the New Era Initiative especially as it concerns the One Day Governor in Lagos that is totally detribalised and provided opportunities to young secondary school boys and girls to become Governor in Lagos State. This has been a milestone and major inspiration for the younger ones to aspire and prosper,” he said.
