President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as his “truest friend and confidante” and crediting her with providing counsel, strength and support throughout their years together.
In a birthday tribute, President Tinubu reflected on his relationship with the First Lady, highlighting her patience, courage, compassion and steadfastness through different stages of their family and public lives.
Opening the tribute, Tinubu wrote: “Oluremi mi, Today, I celebrate the woman who has walked beside me with patience, grace and uncommon courage.”
He followed the statement with a Yoruba proverb: “Àwọn àgbà sọ pé, ‘Ìyàwó rere ni adé ọkọ rẹ̀.’ A good wife is her husband’s crown.”
Tinubu also referred to the biblical description of a virtuous woman, noting that Oluremi had given practical meaning to the description through her conduct and support.
The President indicated that the First Lady had remained beside him through what he described as every season of their life together, including periods of uncertainty and difficult decisions.
“The burdens that were mine to bear often found their way onto your shoulders. The thoughts I could not put into words somehow found their way to you. In difficult times, when the future was uncertain, you stayed calm beside me and prayed with me.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu also described her as someone who could understand when he needed advice, sometimes before he explicitly asked for it, noting, “more often than not, you sense when I need counsel before I ask. There have been nights when your presence alone was counsel enough.”
“I call you my truest friend and confidante because you speak the truth plainly, even on the days I would rather not hear it. After a demanding day, you wait until we are alone before telling me what I need to hear. I have always cherished you for that honesty.”
Family, Humanitarian Work and a Life Shared in Public Service
Moreover, Tinubu used the birthday tribute to acknowledge Oluremi’s contribution to their family and her public-facing humanitarian activities.
The President praised her role in raising their children and grandchildren, stating that her values had left a lasting influence on the family.
“Our home bears the lasting imprint of your devotion. Our children and grandchildren have grown beneath the shelter of your prayers. They carry your values of faith and kindness wherever life takes them.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Oluremi Tinubu has also held public office in her own right. According to the State House, she previously served as First Lady of Lagos State and later represented Lagos Central in the Nigerian Senate from 2011 to 2023. She is currently Nigeria’s First Lady.
In his tribute, President Tinubu drew particular attention to her humanitarian activities, including work associated with the New Era Foundation and the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“Nigerians know you for your compassion, kindness, generosity of spirit and steadfast faith. I have watched you touch lives quietly and consistently, offering hope and support to those in need.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
He added that her initiatives had reached several groups, including young people, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers.
“From the New Era Foundation during our years in the saddle in Lagos to the Renewed Hope Initiative today, your care has reached many young boys and girls, widows, elderly citizens. and women farmers across the country.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu also highlighted his wife’s advocacy for people affected by tuberculosis and other diseases, describing her as a compassionate advocate for people facing health challenges.
“I know the prayers you offer for people whose names you may never know. I also know many whom you have helped without ever meeting them. For you, compassion has never recognised the boundaries of tribe, region or religion.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The President’s message then returned to the personal journey he and Oluremi have shared over several decades.
Tinubu reflected on difficult decisions and sacrifices that he said were known only to the two of them, describing their relationship as one strengthened by years of shared experiences.
“A long journey teaches a man the true value of a good partner. We have travelled a long road together. I think of the difficult decisions we talked through for hours and the sacrifices no one else saw. Laughter and prayer carried us through many of them.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The tribute concluded with an expression of continuing commitment to the relationship.
“If life returned me to the beginning, I would choose the same road that led me to you. Through every mile, my heart has always remained at home with you,” Tinubu stated, adding,“I thank you for the life we have built and the love that has held it together.”
The President ended his message by wishing the First Lady good health and happiness as she marked her 66th birthday.
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