The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace hard work and self-reliance in the face of the country’s economic challenges. In a bold and direct statement, she said, “There is no food for lazy man.”
Mrs. Tinubu made this remark during her courtesy visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday. The First Lady’s visit to the ancient city was part of a broader outreach aimed at engaging with traditional institutions and fostering unity across the country.
During her speech, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that while the administration of her husband, President Bola Tinubu, is committed to addressing Nigeria’s challenges, the citizens, particularly the youth, must play their part by working hard and staying focused.
“There is no food for the lazy man; even God worked for six days and rested on the seventh day,” she said, driving home her point that success is a product of consistent effort and determination.
Addressing the nation’s economic situation, which has been a source of widespread discontent, Mrs. Tinubu urged Nigerians to be patient with the current administration. She reassured citizens that the government is working tirelessly to find sustainable solutions to the country’s problems.
“What is happening in the country, we are just two years into our administration. We are not the cause of the current situation. We are trying to fix and secure the future,” the First Lady explained, pointing out that the administration inherited many of the challenges it is now grappling with.
The Nigerian economy has been facing significant strain, with inflation, unemployment, and the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal contributing to the current hardships. The removal of the subsidy was a critical part of President Tinubu’s economic reforms, aimed at saving billions of dollars for the country.
Since the subsidy removal, many Nigerians have been struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, with food prices and transportation costs skyrocketing. Despite this, the government has maintained that the move was necessary to stabilize the economy in the long run.
“We are trying all our efforts to ensure that the economy is stabilized and the masses are living meaningful lives since the removal of fuel subsidy,” Mrs. Tinubu said, reiterating the administration’s determination to improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
The First Lady expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential to overcome its current difficulties, describing the country as a land “flowing with milk and honey.” She said that Nigerians must work together to sustain the nation’s resources for future generations.
“Nigeria is a land that’s flowing with milk and honey, but we need to sustain it for generations to come,” she said.
The First Lady also noted that her family has been fortunate and content with their blessings, which she believes positions them well to serve the nation with integrity. “God has richly blessed my family before getting to the presidency, and we are content with what we have,” she added.
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, welcomed Mrs. Tinubu to the palace and expressed his support for the Tinubu administration’s efforts to make Nigeria a better place. He acknowledged that the government is working hard to ensure the country’s progress despite the many challenges it faces.
The Ooni praised the First Lady for her role in promoting unity and stability, particularly through her various outreach programs aimed at empowering women and youths.
“I am pleased to welcome you to the ancient city of Ile-Ife. Your visit is significant, and I commend the efforts of the Tinubu administration in ensuring that Nigeria becomes the best country it can be,” the monarch said.
The Ooni’s remarks highlighted the importance of collaboration between traditional rulers and the government in addressing national issues. He also expressed hope that the current administration’s policies would bring positive change to the lives of Nigerians.
The First Lady’s visit to Ile-Ife also included the commissioning of the 2.7-kilometre Oluremi Tinubu Way and Pavilion at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). The road project, which was built in her honour by the Ooni of Ife, is seen as a symbol of recognition for her contributions to the country.
The newly constructed road is expected to improve access to the university and enhance the quality of infrastructure within the institution. The First Lady expressed her gratitude to the Ooni for the honour, describing it as a testament to the partnership between the government and traditional institutions.
“I am deeply honoured by this gesture from His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife. This road will stand as a symbol of our shared commitment to the development of our country and its future,” Mrs. Tinubu said during the commissioning ceremony.
