President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday likened the hardship being endured by Nigerians under his administration to the pain of a “life-saving surgery,” assuring that the nation was on the verge of economic recovery.
Speaking at the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at Mapo Hall, the President admitted that the policy reforms introduced since his inauguration had inflicted untold hardship on citizens.
“To many of you here present, today I’m honoured and I’m very proud to give you 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 pain of a painful surgery — but it is now returning us to the moment of growth and prosperity that awaits ahead,” Tinubu declared to the applause of dignitaries and indigenes gathered at the historic Ibadan square.
He expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their resilience, describing their patience and endurance as the true sacrifice for the nation’s future.
“Thank you for your perseverance. Thank you for your endurance and thank you for your understanding,” he added.
The event also witnessed the formal presentation of the Staff and Certificate of Office to Oba Ladoja by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who described the coronation as “a defining moment in Ibadan’s history.”
Makinde noted that the ascension of Oba Ladoja followed the transition of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died in July, and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Ibadanland.
The coronation ceremony attracted a high-powered delegation of political and traditional leaders, including governors from Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti States; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; and the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan. Members of the Federal Executive Council, Senators, and House of Representatives members were also in attendance.
