Dr. Doyin Okupe, former Presidential Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has clarified the meaning behind the trending nickname “T-Pain,” often associated with President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Okupe explained that the term does not signify “Tinubu-Pain” but rather symbolizes “Temporary Pain,” referring to the economic and structural reforms under the current administration.
“There is a reform that is going on, and with reforms, there must be temporary pain. If there is no pain, there is no gain,” Okupe said during the interview.
His comments come amidst widespread public criticism of the economic challenges Nigerians are facing, including subsidy removal, rising inflation, and increasing cost of living. While some have humorously coined “T-Pain” to reflect the hardships attributed to Tinubu’s policies, Okupe insists the struggles are part of a broader effort to restructure and stabilize the economy for long-term benefits.
Okupe’s remarks on Arise TV underline the government’s expectation that Nigerians endure short-term discomfort for future prosperity, a message that has sparked mixed reactions across the country.
