
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday led tributes as his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, clocked 65, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima, governors, lawmakers and prominent Nigerians extolling her as a symbol of strength, compassion, and service to the nation.
In a moving midnight tribute, the President described his wife as his confidant, counsellor, and steady anchor through decades of political struggle and public service.
“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,” Tinubu wrote.
He praised her sacrifices during years of political exile and leadership challenges, adding that her support amounted to national service.
“Nigeria owes you more than many will ever know,” he said.
The First Lady had earlier announced that she would dedicate her birthday to raising funds for the completion of Nigeria’s long-delayed National Library project in Abuja.
She urged well-wishers to donate to an “Oluremi@65 Education Fund”.
Vice-President Shettima, in his message, lauded Mrs Tinubu as a “symbol of womanhood, strength, and compassion,” describing her as a mother of the nation whose quiet resilience has touched millions.
“When the history of this administration is written, her name will be inscribed in gold,” he said.
From the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, joined in the celebration.
Akpabio hailed the First Lady as “a pillar of love and strength to her husband, the less privileged and the nation at large,” while Barau described her as a patriot whose contributions to nation-building have spanned decades—from her New Era Foundation in Lagos to her 12 years in the Senate and now through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
State governors also paid glowing tributes.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called her “a great ambassador of our dear state,” praising her philanthropy and public service.
Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji said she remained “a special gift to the nation and a pillar of support to the President.”
Kogi’s Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo branded her “an Amazon and a source of inspiration to millions,” while Delta’s Governor Sheriff Oborevwori commended her empowerment programmes as “a beacon of hope for vulnerable citizens.”
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, though of the opposition PDP, joined the chorus of praise, describing Mrs Tinubu as “an incredible woman of unimaginable importance” who championed women’s rights during her three terms in the Senate.
Other political figures, including Kano NNPP chieftain Musa Kwankwaso and NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji, also showered encomiums, calling her a virtuous woman of integrity and humility.
Born on September 21, 1960, Oluremi Tinubu first came into national prominence as Lagos State First Lady (1999–2007), where she established the New Era Foundation.
She later represented Lagos Central in the Senate for 12 years before becoming Nigeria’s First Lady in May 2023.
Over the years, she has tied her advocacy to education, women’s empowerment and youth development, most recently through her Renewed Hope Initiative, which has launched programmes to support widows, empower small-scale farmers, and provide scholarships and food palliatives to families. (Punch)