Tinubu tells Nigerians: hardship easing, brighter days ahead

President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians that the nation has overcome the worst phase of its economic difficulties, declaring that the hardship experienced in recent months would soon give way to prosperity.

Speaking at the coronation of Oba Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, the President mixed his message of goodwill to the monarch with promises of economic revival, telling citizens that the country has “turned a corner” and that “a bright light is at the end of the tunnel.”

His declaration comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with rising prices, a weakened currency, and widespread concerns over the cost of living. For many, the President’s remarks offered a symbolic reassurance that his administration is steering the economy toward recovery, even though the effects of policy reforms remain deeply felt across homes and businesses.

Tinubu, who attended the historic ceremony at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, described the occasion not just as a cultural celebration but also as an opportunity to renew hope for Nigerians. He urged the people to remain patient and trust that the sacrifices they are making in the wake of economic reforms would soon yield lasting benefits.

The President highlighted that his government had embarked on tough but necessary reforms to reset the economy on a sustainable path. According to him, the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of exchange rates, and efforts to attract foreign investment were already producing results, even though the initial pains had been severe. He insisted that these measures were designed to prevent Nigeria from sliding into a deeper financial crisis and to secure a stronger foundation for future growth.

Observers note that his message was not accidental. Against the backdrop of social discontent and scepticism about government policies, the President used the platform of the Olubadan’s coronation to speak directly to ordinary Nigerians. By combining cultural pride with national hope, he attempted to weave a narrative that connected tradition, resilience, and economic renewal.

In his speech, Tinubu praised the resilience of Nigerians, acknowledging that the journey had been difficult. He noted that citizens had endured the brunt of policy changes, but assured them that relief measures were being rolled out to cushion the impact. The President pointed to agricultural reforms, new social investment schemes, and infrastructure development as part of the government’s strategies to boost productivity and create jobs.

The Ibadan event provided a symbolic setting for this message. The coronation of Oba Ladoja, a respected traditional ruler, drew dignitaries from across the country, giving the President a wide audience to reinforce his “Renewed Hope” agenda. His remarks were not only directed at the people of Oyo State but also carried a national tone, signalling that the government is sensitive to the hardships affecting citizens across all regions.

Critics, however, remain cautious. While the President’s words painted a picture of optimism, many Nigerians continue to question how soon the promised turnaround will be felt in daily life. The prices of food, transportation, and essential services remain at record highs, and unemployment continues to pressure households. Some analysts argue that while reforms may indeed stabilise the economy in the long run, short-term relief measures need to be more robust and better targeted to prevent deeper poverty.

Still, the President’s declaration of hope marks a strategic attempt to manage public perception at a time when trust in government is fragile. By choosing an event steeped in cultural and communal unity, he was able to link his economic message with the values of resilience and continuity symbolised by traditional leadership.

In the days leading to the coronation, debates over the country’s economic direction had dominated headlines, particularly with growing calls for the government to address inflation and insecurity. Tinubu’s remarks seemed tailored to counter these narratives, presenting himself as a leader confident that the storm has passed and that the nation is headed toward stability.

The coronation itself was a grand spectacle, with Ibadan’s historic Mapo Hall serving as the backdrop for pageantry, cultural displays, and traditional rites. The President joined other dignitaries in paying homage to Oba Ladoja, describing him as a symbol of peace, wisdom, and unity for the Ibadan people. His felicitation of the monarch provided a ceremonial balance to his political message, blending governance with tradition.

For residents of Ibadan, the occasion carried a dual significance: celebrating their new traditional ruler and hearing directly from the President about the future of the country. Many in attendance welcomed the message of hope, though some admitted that the realities of daily struggles still overshadowed promises from the government.

The symbolism of “a bright light at the end of the tunnel” was repeated throughout conversations after the event, reflecting both the desire for relief and the uncertainty about when it will materialise. The President’s challenge will be to convert this optimism into tangible progress that citizens can feel in their pockets and homes.

As the ceremony came to an end, the mood in Ibadan remained festive, but the echoes of Tinubu’s words lingered beyond the cultural celebration. His address at the coronation of the 44th Olubadan was more than just a tribute to a traditional leader—it was a carefully crafted message to a nation yearning for economic relief. Whether his optimism translates into reality will determine how Nigerians judge not only his policies but also his leadership in the months ahead.