In a bold defense of her husband’s administration, Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians not to hold President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accountable for the nation's current economic struggles. Speaking at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife on October 10, 2024, she emphasized that the Tinubu administration is still in its infancy, just 18 months in, and is actively working to address the challenges facing the country.
The economic landscape has grown increasingly dire since the controversial removal of fuel subsidies, which skyrocketed petrol prices from N198 to N1,030 overnight. This policy change, announced during President Tinubu’s inaugural address on May 29, 2023, aimed to pave the way for Nigeria’s progress by eliminating a financial burden that critics say has long hindered growth.
During her visit to Ife to inaugurate a new hostel and a 2.7-kilometer road at Obafemi Awolowo University, named in her honor, Oluremi Tinubu acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians. “We are not the cause of the current situation; we are trying to fix it and secure the future,” she stated, expressing optimism that with divine guidance, Nigeria will emerge stronger in the next two years. “Those who attempted removing subsidies before could not see it through. But with your prayers, we will build a nation for the future,” she added, calling for unity and patience.
Rejecting any claims of greed, she reflected on the unique circumstances that led her husband to Nigeria’s highest office. “It is not common for rich people to get to this seat, but we can’t disappoint Nigeria. With God's help, we are on our way to the promised land,” she asserted.
The First Lady, an alumnus of OAU herself, further demonstrated her commitment to education by announcing a staggering N1 billion donation for the university's development. “Education and youth development are our administration’s top priorities,” she emphasized, encouraging students to leverage the newly introduced National Students Loan Scheme.
Highlighting her own initiative, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), she revealed plans to provide scholarships and laptops to 47 underprivileged students nationwide, each receiving ₦1 million annually. Additionally, she spoke passionately about the 'We Are Equal Campaign' under the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), which aims to empower young women who have faced barriers to education.
In a show of gratitude, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, praised Oluremi’s relentless efforts to uplift society, which led to the establishment of a golden statue in her honor at OAU. He described the newly constructed Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way as a symbol of hope and opportunity, equipped with solar-powered street lamps, embodying her commitment to creating pathways for youth and women.
