President Bola Tinubu has showered glowing tributes on his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, as she celebrated her 65th birthday on Saturday, describing her as his confidant, counsellor, and anchor through decades of personal and political struggles.
In a statement released to mark the occasion, the President recalled how the First Lady stood by him with “dignity, patience, and devotion” during the long years of political turbulence and exile, highlighting her sacrifices both as a wife and as a quiet pillar of strength in his journey to leadership.
“As you celebrate your 65th birthday today, I honour not only the love of my life, but also a woman whose quiet strength and enduring grace have been my steadying anchor,” the President said. “Through every season, from the long years of struggle and political exile, to leadership responsibilities, you have stood firmly by my side with dignity, patience, and devotion that words can scarcely express.”
Tinubu emphasised that the nation owed her gratitude for the burdens she carried behind the scenes. “Nigeria owes you more than many will ever know. In every sacrifice you made quietly, in every burden you carried without complaint, you have served this country as surely as I have, not from the podium, but from the heart of our home,” he said.
Beyond her role as wife and mother, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has built a notable career in public service. A three-term senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District from 2011 until 2023, she was one of the longest-serving female lawmakers in the National Assembly. During her time in the Senate, she chaired key committees, sponsored bills focused on social welfare, education, and women’s empowerment, and was known for her advocacy on issues affecting vulnerable groups.
Her constituency projects under the Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Scheme (YESAS) and the Elderly Citizens Assistance Scheme (ECAS) gained widespread recognition, as did her initiatives promoting literacy and support for widows. Colleagues often described her as a disciplined, principled legislator with a passion for service.
Since assuming office as First Lady in May 2023, she has launched several national initiatives, including Renewed Hope Initiative, which focuses on women empowerment, agricultural support for families, and scholarships for students across the country. She has also been vocal about instilling moral values in young Nigerians and supporting displaced persons, further cementing her reputation as a compassionate and pragmatic leader.
In his birthday message, President Tinubu also highlighted this dual role. “As your President, I salute you as the First Lady whose warmth and empathy continue to touch millions of lives across our land. And as your lifelong companion, I say that I love you more than ever, and am blessed every day by your presence. Your love is a treasure I hold dear.”
Senator Tinubu, who is also an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), is widely admired for balancing faith, family, and public duty.
Her 65th birthday was marked with quiet celebrations, but her husband’s heartfelt tribute underscored her enduring influence both in his life and in the nation’s social and political landscape.
