President Bola Tinubu has likened the economic hardship resulting from his administration’s reforms to the “pains of a painful surgery”.
Speaking in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, on Friday at the coronation of Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, the president expressed gratitude to Nigerians for electing him in the 2023 presidential election, stressing that the nation’s economy has “turned the corner”.
He acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians in enduring the challenges triggered by his administration’s policies.
“Today, I am honoured and 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,” Tinubu said.
“Your suffering is a pain of a painful surgery, but it has returned to the moment of growth and prosperity that is awaiting us. Thank you for perseverance, endurance, and understanding.”
Since taking office in 2023, the Tinubu administration has introduced policies such as the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange (FX) market.
The subsidy removal, however, caused a sharp rise in transport fares and the prices of essential goods.
The coronation was graced by several political and traditional leaders, including Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti.
Also in attendance were Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power; Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun; and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano.
Traditional rulers present included Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo.