Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, expressed optimism about the country’s economic prospects, predicting that Nigeria will start lending to other nations by 2026 due to expected growth and prosperity.

She made this statement in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Sunday, shortly after being awarded the chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua during the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The ceremony was attended by notable leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President's wife Nana Shettima, ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan, Governors Ademola Adeleke, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, and ex-Speaker Dimeji Bankole.

Others included former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Lagos Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Osun Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, and ex-Osun First Lady Kafayat Oyetola. Traditional rulers present were 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.

Mrs. Tinubu thanked the Ooni and the people of Ile-Ife for the honour, stating that Nigeria’s season of happiness had arrived. She assured Nigerians that by 2026, the country would enjoy significant prosperity and start offering financial assistance to other nations under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

The Ooni of Ife commended Mrs. Tinubu for her longstanding support, while the Sultan of Sokoto prayed for the monarch and Nigeria. Governor Adeleke praised the Ooni as a reformer who has elevated Yoruba culture worldwide and emphasised that the Osun State Government remains dedicated to improving Ile-Ife’s infrastructure, including key road projects and a nearly completed flyover.