Kehinde Fajobi
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu, has urged Nigerians not to blame her husband for the current economic difficulties, following the removal of fuel subsidy which has driven petrol prices from ₦198 to ₦1,030.
During a visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, the First Lady stated, “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 assured that with prayers and time, Nigeria would be in a better position, adding, “In the next two years, Nigeria will be greater than this.”
President Tinubu announced the end of the subsidy during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, describing it as a barrier to the country’s progress.
His wife acknowledged the hardships it brought but highlighted that past attempts to remove the subsidy had failed. “With God on our side… we will build a nation for the future,” she said.
Senator Tinubu emphasised that her husband is not driven by greed and expressed gratitude for their position.
“We give glory to God for our status. Myself and my husband, we are not greedy… it is not common for rich people to get to this seat, but I am grateful to God,” she said.
She reassured Nigerians that the administration is committed to fulfilling its promises, with divine guidance.
Speaking at the event, where she inaugurated a hostel and 2.7-kilometre road donated to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) by the Ooni of Ife and named in her honour, the First Lady also announced a donation of ₦1 billion to the university.
The Ooni praised her for being a role model since her time as Lagos First Lady, particularly for her work through the New Era Initiative.
“This has been a milestone and major inspiration for the younger ones to aspire and prosper,” the monarch said.