President Bola Tinubu paid an official visit to the Oba of Lagos, His Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, at the Iga Idunganran Palace on Friday. The meeting was part of a series of engagements aimed at strengthening ties between the government and traditional institutions in the country.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Saturday, Tinubu praised traditional institutions and their leaders, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping society and contributing to the advancement of the nation. His words underscored the importance of collaboration between traditional rulers and government officials to ensure societal development, peace, and prosperity. He wrote, “Today, I had the honour of visiting His Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, at the historic Iga Idunganran Palace, a site rich in culture and tradition. During our meeting, we had meaningful discussions about the role of traditional institutions in governance and development. We also explored how these institutions can contribute to building a cohesive society that promotes prosperity for all. Thank you, Kabiyesi, for this important and enlightening conversation.”
President Tinubu also reiterated his mission to improve the lives of Nigerians. After Jummat prayers on Lagos Island, he expressed gratitude to supporters who welcomed him warmly. His visit was met with enthusiasm, as the people of Lagos Island showed their support for his administration's goals. He shared his appreciation in a tweet, stating, “People are at the heart of our mission. Thank you, Lagos Island, for the warm and rapturous welcome this afternoon. Your support strengthens my resolve to create a brighter future for a Nigeria that works for everyone—one we can all proudly call our country. Together, let us work and pray for a better nation.”
In his New Year address, Tinubu set out his vision for the upcoming year, focusing on policies that will enhance food production, promote local manufacturing, and reduce the high cost of living. His administration aims to tackle the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians by implementing strategies to boost the economy and improve quality of life. He pledged that efforts would be intensified to bring down the high inflation rate, which currently stands at 34.6%, with a target of reducing it to 15%.
He said, “In 2025, our government will intensify efforts to lower living costs by increasing food production and encouraging local manufacturing of essential goods. We aim to provide relief and improve the quality of life for all citizens. Additionally, we will expand access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output.”
Tinubu concluded with a message of hope and optimism, expressing his belief in the collective ability of the Nigerian people to achieve these ambitious goals with diligence, unity, and God’s guidance. He stressed the importance of working together to create a future that benefits all Nigerians, regardless of background or status.