Remi Tinubu begs Nigerians to give her husband two more years, says his government not the cause of hardship

Senator Oluremi Tinubu has said her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should not be blamed for the current economic hardship in Nigeria.

Nigerians have been groaning under economic hardship since the removal of fuel subsidy which pushed the pump price of petrol from N198 to N1,030.

Tinubu announced an end to subsidy during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, saying the policy was standing in the way of Nigeria’s progress.

But while speaking at the Palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, the First Lady said the Tinubu administration is still very young.

The wife of the President was in Ife to inaugurate hostel and a 2.7 kilometer road donated to Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ University, (OAU), Ile Ife, by the Ooni of Ife and named after her.

She said, “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.

“We know that subsidy has been removed, but with God on our side, in the next two years, Nigeria will be greater than this. Those who attempted removing subsidy before could not see it through. But with your prayers in the next two years, Nigeria will be greater than this. Those who attempted removing subsidy before could not see it through. But with your prayers in the next two years, we will build a nation for the future.”

The president’s wife added that her husband is not greedy, thanking God for making him emerge Nigeria’s number one citizen.

“We give glory to God for our status, myself and my husband, we are not greedy but we thank God for what God has done for us. It is not common for rich people to get to this seat but I am grateful to God, we can not disappoint Nigeria and with the help of God, we are getting to the promised land in no distant time,” she said.

The First Lady who disclosed that she graduated from OAU 41 years ago donated N1 billion to the university for its development and advancement.

While speaking, the Ooni of Ife lauded the Wife of the President for serving as role model to young ones since her days as First Lady of Lagos State.

Addressing students at Oduduwa Hall, OAU, before the project commissioning, Senator Tinubu encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to acquire quality education and skills. She emphasized the administration’s focus on education as a priority.

“It is important to note that the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is focused on education and youth development, ensuring all youths have access to education regardless of financial status. The National Students Loan Scheme was introduced for this purpose, and I urge all youths to take advantage of it,” she said.

She further highlighted efforts by her initiative, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which provides scholarships and laptops to 47 indigent students nationwide through the National Scholarship Program (NASP). Each student receives ₦1 million annually for the duration of their studies.

“As part of the #We Are Equal Campaign under the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), I have also reintroduced the Alternative High School for Girls, providing a second chance for young women who dropped out of school due to early marriage, teenage pregnancy, or other barriers, to complete their secondary education and acquire valuable life skills.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, praised the First Lady’s contributions to societal development, stating that this was the reason for naming the road and pavilion in her honor.

“In recognition of her contributions, we have erected a golden statue to immortalize her virtues as a teacher, mother, and wife at the heart of Obafemi Awolowo University. Additionally, we built a state-of-the-art hostel, whose dynamic pavilion reflects her progressive nature.

“The 2.7-kilometer road, equipped with solar-powered street lamps, will now be known as Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way. This road symbolizes the many paths she has opened for youth, women, and the underprivileged in our society. The hostel and pavilion, the largest in the university’s history, stand as a testament to her commitment to creating spaces for learning, development, and empowerment for all,” the Ooni added.