- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has announced the return of Nigeria’s economy to the moments of growth and prosperity.
Tinubu made this known during his address at the coronation ceremony of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abdulrasheed Ladoja.
In what he described as a cheering news, the President announced that the economy has been revived with a bright light now at the end of the tunnel.
He acknowledged Nigerians’ struggle with the economic hardship, which he labelled a painful surgery, as he expressed his gratitude for the nations’ patience, endurance, and perseverance.
“Today I’m honoured and very proud to give the cheering news that the economy has turned the corner. There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel.
“Your suffering is a pain, a painful surgery. But it is now return to the moment of growth and prosperity awaiting us ahead. Thank you for your perseverance. Thank you for your endurance, thank you for your understanding.” Tinubu said.
Meanwhile, Tinubu expressed his delight in experiencing the historical coronation of the Oba Ladoja, former Oyo state governor and Senator.
“Today is an exciting day. It is a great honour for me to be here as the President of Nigeria to witness your coronation, to witness history.
“It was a great excitement for me to feel the excitement of the people on my way coming. I enjoy the moment, and I value the history of today.” He said.
As further quoted in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the Olubadan of Ibadan for his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and for overcoming an illegal impeachment as a governor.
He thereafter prayed for longevity for the new Olubadan.
“All the things we started together with great expectations, and the history we shared are coming to pass. I pray that you will live long and be celebrated as one of the rare leaders in history to ascend the throne of your forefathers.
“I pray that God will grant you more years of joy, prosperity and relevance,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that the Olubadan of Ibadanland played a significant role in Nigeria’s political history, and had remained a pillar of hope through the experiences of impeachment, perseverance and resilience as a former governor of the state.
He thanked all the former and serving governors, the traditional rulers, for attending the coronation.
“It is a joy and great excitement for us. I appreciate you all. As for me, this is homecoming,” he stated.
Prior to the President’s speech, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, while presenting the staff of office to the Olubadan, said Oba Ladoja’s coronation has ended the disputes among families regarding who occupies traditional thrones.
“It is a great honour to celebrate the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. All sons and daughters of the state at home and in the diaspora are proud of this historic moment. We must uphold our tradition.
“I also want to say all challenges associated with the Ibadan traditional institution are now over, and put behind us. This means that the process is now sacrosanct,” the governor said.
The Governor thanked the President for taking the time to honour the traditional ruler and the people.
“There is no more rancour about the kingship in Ibadanland, ” the governor added.
In his address, Oba Ladoja said his ascension to the throne reflected the race of life and place of destiny.
“I accept not just the paraphernalia of office but also the responsibilities attached to it.
“I want to sincerely appreciate my brother and friend, President Bola Tinubu, for honouring me and all the sons and daughters of Ibadanland with his visit here today.
“It is not by power, influence, connection, or money that we are here today. I appreciate God for taking me to the finishing line from the starting point as the Mogaji of the all-inclusive Arusa family, Isale Osi, Ibadan, in 1992 till date,” he added.
The Olubadan noted that he would uphold the trust the Olubadan Council members and kingmakers reposed in him while thanking the governor for ratifying his selection.