President Bola Tinubu has marked his wife Oluremi’s 66th birthday with a deeply personal tribute, portraying the First Lady not only as his spouse but also as a trusted adviser who has shared the pressures, sacrifices and private decisions that have shaped their life together.
In the message released on Monday, Tinubu described Oluremi as his “truest friend and confidante”. He pointed to the role she has played in his life through periods of uncertainty and demanding public responsibilities.
The President said his wife had stood beside him with patience, courage and composure, while also providing counsel when he needed it.
“Today, I celebrate the woman who has walked beside me with patience, grace and uncommon courage,” Tinubu wrote.
He also invoked a Yoruba proverb, “Ìyàwó rere ni adé ọkọ rẹ̀”, which he translated as “A good wife is her husband’s crown”.
Tinubu linked Oluremi’s character to the biblical description of a virtuous woman, saying her influence had been evident in both their private life and family.
He disclosed that she often understood his concerns before he expressed them, describing her presence itself as a source of counsel during difficult periods.
“There have been nights when your presence alone was counsel enough,” the President said.
Tinubu placed particular emphasis on Oluremi’s willingness to speak frankly with him, even when the advice was uncomfortable.
“I call you my truest friend and confidante because you speak the truth plainly, even on the days I would rather not hear it,” he said.
Beyond their marriage, the President highlighted her contribution to their family, saying their children and grandchildren had grown with the influence of her faith, kindness and prayers.
He also drew attention to Oluremi’s public activities, particularly her humanitarian work through the New Era Foundation and the Renewed Hope Initiative.
According to Tinubu, those efforts have touched young people, widows, elderly Nigerians and women farmers. He also cited her advocacy for people affected by tuberculosis and other illnesses.
“Those affected by tuberculosis or any disease at all have found in you a compassionate advocate and a determined champion,” he said.
The President said her humanitarian work had crossed ethnic, regional and religious lines, portraying it as part of the public service she has pursued alongside her political career.
Oluremi Tinubu is the current First Lady of Nigeria. Before becoming First Lady, she served as First Lady of Lagos State and represented Lagos Central in the Senate from 2011 to 2023.
Tinubu also reflected on the length of their marriage and the private sacrifices behind their public lives. He recalled difficult decisions they had discussed together, as well as moments when laughter and prayer helped them through demanding periods.
The President then offered the most personal line in the tribute: he saud he would make the same choice if given another opportunity to live his life.
“If life returned me to the beginning, I would choose the same road that led me to you,” he said.
Tinubu concluded by wishing Oluremi good health and happiness, while thanking her for the life and family they had built together.
“Happy 66th birthday, my darling Oluremi,” he wrote, adding a prayer for “many more years in good health and joy”.
The birthday message was published by the State House on September 20 ahead of Oluremi Tinubu’s birthday on September 21.
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