First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has declared that Nigeria is moving beyond the difficult period of economic reforms and entering an era of prosperity, expressing confidence that President Bola Tinubu’s policies will begin to deliver improved economic conditions for citizens.
She made the declaration on Saturday, November 1, 2026, during the South-East Women Mega Empowerment Rally organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Mobilisation Directorate in Enugu State as part of activities to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Addressing the gathering in Nigerian Pidgin, the First Lady said her husband had asked her to reassure Nigerians that the country was moving towards a more prosperous period.
“Mr President say make I greet everybody. You know why? He say make I tell una say we don do reforms, na prosperity we dey now,” she said.
She likened the transition to the final stages of pregnancy, explaining that although the waiting period could be difficult, it eventually leads to childbirth. According to her, Nigerians should remain hopeful as the administration seeks to translate its economic policies into better living conditions.
First Lady Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
The First Lady’s remarks reflect the administration’s position that the difficult adjustments associated with its economic reforms are expected to create the foundation for long-term growth.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has introduced major policy changes, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and reforms to the foreign exchange market. The government has argued that these measures were necessary to address longstanding economic distortions, improve public finances and attract investment.
However, the policies have also contributed to significant financial pressures for households and businesses, particularly through higher transportation, food and operating costs.
President Tinubu had earlier used his October 1 Independence Day address to declare that Nigeria was moving from economic stabilisation towards an era of shared prosperity. He said the government’s priority would now focus on lowering production and transportation costs, expanding industrial activity, creating jobs and improving opportunities for Nigerians.
The First Lady’s statement in Enugu reinforced that message, presenting prosperity as the next phase of the administration’s economic agenda.
Nevertheless, the transition from reform announcements to improved household welfare remains an important test of the government’s policies.
Announces ₦200,000 Support for 250 South-East Women
Beyond her economic message, Senator Tinubu announced plans to provide financial assistance to women across the South-East to support small businesses and strengthen their economic participation.
She disclosed that 250 women would receive ₦200,000 each to establish or expand their businesses.
The First Lady also announced a separate empowerment programme for 250 elderly women scheduled for December 17. She said the planned interventions would form part of a broader initiative expected to benefit 750 women across the five South-East states.
She urged APC candidates and party stakeholders in the region to ensure that the announced programmes were implemented.
The initiatives, if delivered as outlined, could provide financial support to women seeking to establish small businesses, improve household income and expand their participation in local economic activities.
However, their broader impact will depend on transparent beneficiary selection, timely disbursement and the ability of recipients to use the funds productively.
APC Mobilises Women Ahead of 2027 Elections
The South-East Women Mega Empowerment Rally also served as a political mobilisation platform for the APC ahead of the 2027 general election.
Senator Tinubu urged residents of the region to support her husband’s re-election bid and vote for other APC candidates contesting legislative and executive positions.
She highlighted the importance of political participation across different levels of government, encouraging voters to support candidates from the presidency to state legislatures.
The appeal reflects the ruling party’s efforts to strengthen its grassroots presence in the South-East, a region where opposition parties have maintained considerable political influence in recent electoral cycles.
By combining empowerment announcements with political engagement, the rally sought to connect the APC’s campaign message with issues affecting women, families and small business owners.
Prosperity Promise Faces Expectations Over Cost of Living
Despite the First Lady’s optimism, the administration’s prosperity message comes amid continuing concerns about the cost of living and the financial pressures facing Nigerians.
Food affordability, transportation expenses, electricity costs, unemployment and access to business financing remain important concerns for households and enterprises.
For many Nigerians, the success of the economic reforms will ultimately be measured not only by improvements in macroeconomic indicators but also by whether families can afford basic necessities, businesses can operate sustainably and workers can enjoy better purchasing power.
The government has pointed to economic growth, improved foreign exchange stability and stronger investment prospects as signs of progress. However, translating these developments into visible improvements in everyday life remains essential to building public confidence.
The administration will therefore need to sustain efforts to expand agricultural production, strengthen local manufacturing, improve infrastructure and create productive employment opportunities.
From Reforms to Shared Prosperity
Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s declaration in Enugu reinforces the Federal Government’s message that Nigeria is entering a new phase of its economic recovery agenda.
Her remarks also place renewed attention on the expectations Nigerians have for the next stage of the administration’s policies.
While the First Lady has expressed confidence that the country is moving towards prosperity, the real measure of that promise will be the extent to which economic growth translates into affordable food, improved incomes, stronger businesses and better living conditions.
As the 2027 election approaches, the administration’s ability to demonstrate measurable progress will remain central to public debate over its economic direction and second-term ambitions.
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