Economy healing after ‘painful surgery’, Tinubu tells Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu on Friday described the economic hardship that followed his administration’s reforms as a “pain from a painful surgery,” assuring Nigerians that the economy is now on the path to recovery.

Tinubu, who spoke at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, thanked citizens for their perseverance and resilience during the challenging period.

“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’s a bright light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

“Your suffering is a pain, a pain of a painful surgery, but it is now returned to the moment of growth and prosperity that’s awaiting us ahead. Thank you for your perseverance. Thank you for your endurance and thank you for your understanding.”

Tinubu arrived at the venue alongside Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at exactly 2:28 pm. In his entourage were the governors of Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti states, as well as some members of the Federal Executive Council.

Before the ceremony, the president received the traditional Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, Ibadan.

Oba Ladoja succeeded the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who passed away on July 7, 2025, after reigning for one year. Ladoja ascended the throne nearly three months after his predecessor’s demise.

The coronation ceremony was attended by former governors, first-class monarchs, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and state lawmakers from across the country.

Traditional rulers present included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Adeoye; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale; and the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan.