Senator Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerians not to blame her husband, President Bola Tinubu, for the current economic difficulties in the country.
Since the removal of the fuel subsidy, Nigerians have been facing tough economic conditions, with petrol prices rising from N198 to N1,030 per litre.
The removal of the subsidy was announced by President Tinubu during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, citing it as a necessary step for Nigeria’s progress.
Speaking at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, the First Lady emphasized that the administration is still in its early stages. She visited Ile Ife to commission a hostel and a 2.7-kilometer road donated to Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ University (OAU) by the Ooni of Ife, which were named in her honor.
“We are only 18 months into this administration,” she stated, “and we are not the cause of the current situation. We are working hard to resolve these challenges and secure a better future.”
She acknowledged the impact of subsidy removal but expressed optimism, saying, “With God on our side, Nigeria will improve within the next two years. Previous administrations struggled to remove the subsidy, but with prayers, we are confident in building a brighter future.”
Senator Tinubu also expressed gratitude for her husband’s leadership, saying, “We thank God for our position. My husband and I are not greedy people. It’s rare for wealthy individuals to rise to such leadership, and we are committed to not letting Nigeria down. With God’s help, we will reach the promised land soon.”
The First Lady, an OAU graduate, also announced a donation of N1 billion to the university for its development and growth.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife praised Senator Tinubu for being a role model, particularly during her time as First Lady of Lagos State. He recalled her “New Era Initiative,” which introduced the One-Day Governor program that allowed young secondary school students to govern Lagos for a day, calling it an inspiration for future leaders.