Tinubu celebrates wife at 66, calls her truest friend, confidante

President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi. Photo: X/Bola Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his wife, Oluremi, on her 66th birthday, describing her as his “truest friend and confidante”.

In a birthday tribute to the First Lady on his verified X handle on Monday, Tinubu praised her patience, courage, compassion and unwavering support throughout their years together.

The President, who described Oluremi as the woman who had stood by him through different seasons of his life, said she had shared his burdens and provided counsel during difficult moments.

“Today, I celebrate the woman who has walked beside me with patience, grace and uncommon courage. Àwọn àgbà sọ pé, ‘Ìyàwó rere ni adé ọkọ rẹ̀.’ A good wife is her husband’s crown,” he said.

Tinubu said Oluremi had given practical meaning to the biblical description of a virtuous woman, adding that she had remained a source of strength and understanding to him.

“The burdens that were mine to bear often found their way onto your shoulders. The thoughts I could not put into words somehow found their way to you.

“In difficult times, when the future was uncertain, you stayed calm beside me and prayed with me,” he stated.

The President described the First Lady as his “truest friend and confidante”, saying she was never afraid to offer him honest counsel.

“I call you my truest friend and confidante because you speak the truth plainly, even on the days I would rather not hear it,” Tinubu said.

He also praised Oluremi for her role in raising their children and grandchildren, saying her values of faith and kindness had shaped the family.

“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 said.

Tinubu also highlighted the First Lady’s humanitarian activities, recalling her work through the New Era Foundation and the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“Nigerians know you for your compassion, kindness, generosity of spirit and steadfast faith. I have watched you touch lives quietly and consistently, offering hope and support to those in need,” he said.

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He added that her initiatives had supported young people, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers across the country.

“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,” the President stated.

Tinubu also acknowledged Oluremi’s advocacy for people affected by tuberculosis and other diseases, describing her as a compassionate advocate and determined champion.

He said her compassion transcended ethnic, regional and religious boundaries.

“For you, compassion has never recognised the boundaries of tribe, region or religion,” he said.

Reflecting on their years together, Tinubu said their shared experiences, including difficult decisions and sacrifices, had strengthened their relationship.

“A long journey teaches a man the true value of a good partner. We have travelled a long road together. I think of the difficult decisions we talked through for hours and the sacrifices no one else saw.

“Laughter and prayer carried us through many of them,” he said.

The President said he would choose Oluremi again if given the opportunity to relive his life.

“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,” Tinubu said.

The President wished the First Lady many more years in good health and happiness.

“Happy 66th birthday, my darling Oluremi. I pray that God Almighty will grant you many more years in good health and joy,” he said.