President Bola Tinubu, on Friday in Ibadan, Oyo State, said the economy of Nigeria has turned the corner for good, following the success of the economic reforms introduced by his administration over two years ago.
He assured Nigerians that they would soon begin to enjoy the fruits of the reforms and thanked them for their patience and support.
The President spoke at the coronation of his friend and political ally, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Sen) Abdul-Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
President Tinubu said the reforms have been successful because of the support, endurance and sacrifices of Nigerians.
“Today, I am honoured to bring the cheering news that our economy has turned around and there is now light at the end of the tunnel,” the President stated.
The President commended the Olubadan of Ibadan for his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and for overcoming an illegal impeachment as a governor.
Tinubu and Ladoja
“Today is an exciting day for me, Kabiyesi. Happy birthday to you. It is also a happy day for you. As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is a great honour to witness this history unfold.
“All the things we started together with great expectations, and the history we shared are coming to pass. I pray that you will live long and be celebrated as one of the rare leaders in history to ascend the throne of your forefathers.Lagos property listings
Oba Ladoja
“I pray that God will grant you more years of joy, prosperity and relevance,” the President said.
President Tinubu said that the Olubadan of Ibadanland played a significant role in Nigeria’s political history, and had remained a pillar of hope through the experiences of impeachment, perseverance and resilience as a former governor of the state.Lagos property listings
He thanked all former and serving governors, and traditional rulers for attending the coronation.
Tinubu
“It is a joy and great excitement for us. I appreciate you all. As for me, this is homecoming,” he stated.
Governor Seyi Makinde presented the new Olubadan, a former governor of the state and a senator, with the staff of office and a certificate.
Governor Makinde said Oba Ladoja’s coronation has ended the disputes among families regarding who occupies traditional thrones.
“It is a great honour to celebrate the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. All sons and daughters of the state at home and in the diaspora are proud of this historic moment. We must uphold our tradition.
“I also want to say all challenges associated with the Ibadan traditional institution are now over, and put behind us. This means that the process is now sacrosanct,” the governor said.
The Governor thanked the President for taking the time to honour the traditional ruler and the people.
“There is no more rancour about the kingship in Ibadanland, ” the governor added.
Oba Ladoja said his ascension to the throne reflected the race of life and place of destiny.
“I accept not just the paraphernalia of office but also the responsibilities attached to it
“I want to sincerely appreciate my brother and friend, President Bola Tinubu, for honouring me and all the sons and daughters of Ibadanland with his visit here today.
“It is not by power, influence, connection or money that we are here today. I appreciate God for taking me to the finishing line from the starting point as the Mogaji of the all-inclusive Arusa family, Isale Osi, Ibadan, in 1992 till date,” he added.
The Olubadan noted that he would uphold the trust the Olubadan Council members and kingmakers reposed in him while thanking the governor for ratifying his selection.
Some of the dignitaries at the event included the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji; and the Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke. The former Governors were Donald Duke of Cross River, Olagunsoye Oyinola of Osun State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, and Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State.
President Tinubu was accompanied to the event by Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Zacch Adedeji.
The Sultan of Sokoto and co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammad Abubakar III, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, were also at the ceremony.
Adewole Adebayo, leader of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, and its presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general election, has stressed that Nigeria’s long-term progress lies in nurturing safe, productive and self-sustaining communities at the grassroots.
Adebayo spoke in Numan, Adamawa State, at a reception organised in his honour following the conferment of a traditional title on him by the Bachama kingdom.
While addressing traditional rulers, community leaders and residents, he described the Bachama people as a vital component of the Nigerian project, noting that the destiny of the nation is inseparable from the wellbeing of its local communities.
“The development of this land is the development of Nigeria because Nigeria is not just an idea; it is the land and the people,” he said.
He portrayed Numan and its environs as a rich heritage placed in the care of its people, urging citizens to take collective responsibility for nurturing the land, ensuring fair access to resources and raising families in conditions of safety and dignity.
The SDP leader also raised concerns about what he termed the over-centralisation of governance, arguing that efforts to drive national development primarily from Lagos in the past and later from Abuja have yielded limited success.
“The only time Nigeria will truly work is when we build it from the communities,” he said, adding that the true measure of national strength should be seen in the safety of homes, the quality of education and the freedom of young people to grow without fear.
According to him, meaningful development must allow families to farm, rear livestock, educate their children and participate actively in the economy within their local environments.
Drawing parallels with countries such as the United States, Germany and Russia, Adebayo said enduring national success is built by citizens who flourish in their towns and villages, supported by access to electricity, water, security and economic opportunities.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed displeasure at the lingering strike by primary schools teachers in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
In a post on his official X handle, Obi said it is worrisome that the government spent billions of naira to renovate the International Conference Centre while primary schools in the nation’s capital remain on strike.
According to him, education is a cornerstone of national development.
He lamented that countless children remain out of school and those in school cannot attend because of insecurity or teachers’ strikes.
“This is particularly tragic in Abuja, the seat of government, where schools remain shuttered.
“This is the same Abuja where billions were squandered on renovating a conference centre for the president and Bus Terminals.
“One must question whether our leaders genuinely appreciate the vital role of education,” he wrote.
Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, rtd, says military officers arrested over the foiled coup knew the consequences of their action and are ready to face the wrath.
Musa said this when he appeared on TRT World, a Turkish broadcaster, stating that the accused persons would receive a fair trial, with access to legal counsel of their choice.
According to him, families of the alleged coup plotters would be looked after by the government.
“They must have made up their minds when they decided to do this and must have considered their families.
“But even at that, the government is ensuring that their families are treated fairly.
“Their family members are not left alone. The government is making sure that their wives and children are looked after.
“The perpetrators already know the repercussion of their action, and I’m sure they are ready to face the wrath,” he said.
It was recalls that the 16 implicated officers, including a Brigadier-General and Colonel, were arrested in October 2025 by the defence headquarters, DHQ.
The DHQ, on January 26, finally confirmed that there was a plot to oust President Bola Tinubu.
According to the military, the plot uncovered in late September 2025 through joint intelligence from the army, Department of State Services, DSS, and Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, allegedly involved plans to assassinate Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and other top government figures, as well as arrest senior military leaders.