First Lady Oluremi Tinubu clocks 66 on September 21, with President Bola Tinubu describing his wife of several decades as his “truest friend and confidante”.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is celebrating her 66th birthday today, September 21, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu describing her as his “truest friend and confidante”. The President paid tribute to his wife in a birthday message released on Monday, reflecting on their decades together and praising her patience, courage, compassion and support throughout their marriage.
In the message, Tinubu recalled the years they had spent together, including periods of political uncertainty and demanding public service. He said Oluremi had remained a source of counsel and support, adding that her presence had often provided comfort during difficult moments.
“If life returned me to the beginning, I would choose the same road that led me to you,” the President said. “Through every mile, my heart has always remained at home with you.” Tinubu also highlighted his wife’s work with vulnerable groups, particularly through initiatives she has been associated with over the years.
According to the President, her work has reached young people, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers, while her advocacy has also focused on people affected by tuberculosis and other illnesses.
He referenced the New Era Foundation, associated with Oluremi Tinubu during their years in Lagos, and the Renewed Hope Initiative, through which she has pursued programmes as Nigeria’s First Lady.
From Lagos First Lady to Nigeria’s First Lady
Oluremi Tinubu has had a public career that predates her emergence as Nigeria’s First Lady. She served as First Lady of Lagos State during her husband’s tenure as governor from 1999 to 2007. She later entered elective politics, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2011 until 2023.
She became Nigeria’s First Lady following President Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023. Her current role has seen her involved in programmes under the Renewed Hope Initiative, focusing on areas including education, healthcare, women’s empowerment and support for vulnerable Nigerians.
Birthday tributes
President Tinubu was not the only political figure to mark the occasion. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu congratulated the First Lady on her 66th birthday, highlighting her years of public service and work involving women, children and vulnerable Nigerians.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, also commended her contributions to public service and highlighted initiatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative in areas including education, healthcare, social welfare and empowerment.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, similarly described Oluremi Tinubu as a compassionate leader whose interventions, in his view, have reached Nigerians across different communities.
As she marks 66, the First Lady’s birthday is being observed with tributes focused on her roles as a former senator, former Lagos State First Lady and current First Lady of Nigeria. President Tinubu ended his message with a personal birthday wish, praying for his wife’s continued good health, joy and many more years.
“Happy 66th birthday, my darling Oluremi,” he wrote.