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President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as a woman who has stood by him with “patience, grace and uncommon courage” throughout their years together.
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The President described Oluremi as his “truest friend and confidante,” saying she has remained a source of counsel and strength, particularly during difficult periods when the future was uncertain.
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Tinubu also commended the First Lady’s humanitarian efforts, highlighting her work through the New Era Foundation and the Renewed Hope Initiative, which he said has touched the lives of children, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers across the country.
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Reflecting on their journey together, Tinubu said he would make the same choice if given the opportunity to begin life again, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices, prayers, companionship and love that have sustained their family over the years.
September 21, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as a devoted partner whose patience, courage and support have remained a source of strength throughout their years together.
In a heartfelt birthday message issued on Monday, September 21, 2026, the President said Oluremi had stood by him through different seasons of their lives, sharing in both the challenges and triumphs that came with his personal and public journey.
“Today, I celebrate the woman who has walked beside me with patience, grace and uncommon courage”, Tinubu said.
The President quoted the Yoruba saying, “Ìyàwó rere ni adé ọkọ rẹ̀,” meaning, “A good wife is her husband’s crown”, while also referring to the biblical description of the virtuous woman in the Book of Proverbs.
He said Oluremi had given practical meaning to those words through her unwavering commitment to their family and marriage.
“You have given these words true meaning in my life. You have stood by my side through every season”, he stated.
According to Tinubu, the burdens he had to bear over the years often became shared responsibilities, noting that his wife was able to understand his concerns even when he could not put them into words.
He recalled that during difficult periods when the future appeared uncertain, Oluremi remained calm, stood beside him and prayed with him.
“Through all these years, you have remained the one who truly understands me”, he added.
Tinubu described the First Lady as his “truest friend and confidante,” saying she had consistently offered him honest counsel, including on occasions when he would rather not hear what she had to say.
“More often than not, you sense when I need counsel before I ask. There have been nights when your presence alone was counsel enough”, the President said.
He added that Oluremi’s honesty was one of the qualities he had always cherished, noting that she would often wait until they were alone before telling him what she believed he needed to hear.
Family, Humanitarian Contributions
The President also paid tribute to Oluremi’s role in their family, saying their children and grandchildren had grown under the influence of her prayers, values and devotion.
“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”, he noted.
Tinubu also praised the First Lady for her compassion and humanitarian activities, saying Nigerians had come to know her for kindness, generosity and steadfast faith.
He cited her involvement with the New Era Foundation during their years in Lagos and the Renewed Hope Initiative, which she has championed as First Lady.
According to him, her interventions through the initiatives had reached several vulnerable groups, including young boys and girls, 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”, he said.
The President further commended her advocacy for people affected by tuberculosis and other diseases, describing her as a compassionate advocate and determined champion for those in need.
He said her compassion had transcended ethnic, regional and religious boundaries.
“For you, compassion has never recognised the boundaries of tribe, region or religion,” Tinubu said.
He also said he was aware of the prayers she offered for people whose names she might never know, as well as the assistance she had rendered to people she had never met personally.
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“I Would Choose Same Road”
Reflecting on their years together, Tinubu said their long journey had taught him the value of having a supportive partner. He recalled the difficult decisions they had discussed over the years and the sacrifices that, according to him, were often unseen by others.
“A long journey teaches a man the true value of a good partner. We have travelled a long road together,” he said.
Tinubu said laughter and prayer had helped them through many of the challenges they encountered.
In a particularly personal part of the message, the President said he would make the same choice if he were given the opportunity to start life over again.
“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,” he said.
He thanked Oluremi for the life they had built together and the love that had sustained their family.
“Happy 66th birthday, my darling Oluremi. I pray that God Almighty will grant you many more years in good health and joy. May the years ahead bring you the same comfort and happiness you have so freely given to me and many others”, the President said.
Background
Oluremi Tinubu, who was born on September 21, 1960, is a former senator who represented Lagos Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
She served in the Senate before becoming First Lady following the inauguration of her husband as President on May 29, 2023.
As First Lady, she has been associated with the Renewed Hope Initiative, which focuses on interventions in areas including education, healthcare, agriculture, women empowerment and support for vulnerable Nigerians.
Before her tenure as First Lady, Oluremi was also involved in social and community development initiatives, including the New Era Foundation.
Her 66th birthday provides the occasion for the President to publicly reflect on their marriage, family life and the support he says she has provided throughout his personal and political journey.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
