President Bola Tinubu has appreciated Nigerians for enduring the economic hardship brought about by his economic reforms since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

Mr Tinubu, who described the suffering Nigerians are facing as “pain of a painful surgery,” however, insisted that the economy is improving and assured that there is a bright future ahead.

Mr Tinubu said, “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.

“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.”

Mr Tinubu disclosed this on Friday at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

The president, who arrived at the ceremony shortly after the monarch was crowned, was accompanied by Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde; Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke; Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji; and some members of the Federal Executive Council.

Monarchs who attended the coronation included the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Adeoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale; and Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan.

Mr Ladoja succeeded Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7, 2025, after reigning for one year as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan.