President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday paid a glowing tribute to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as she turned 66, describing her as his greatest companion, trusted adviser and a woman whose love, faith and strength have sustained him through life’s most difficult moments.
In a heartfelt birthday message, the President reflected on their decades-long marriage, thanking the First Lady for standing firmly beside him throughout his personal and political journey. He said that if he had the opportunity to begin life all over again, he would still choose the path that brought them together.
“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,” the President wrote.
Addressing his wife as “Oluremi mi,” Tinubu said she had remained by his side with patience, grace and uncommon courage, helping him carry burdens that many people never saw.
“Today, I celebrate the woman who has walked beside me with patience, grace and uncommon courage,” he said.
The President quoted a Yoruba proverb to describe the First Lady’s role in his life.
“Àwọn àgbà sọ pé, ‘Ìyàwó rere ni adé ọkọ rẹ̀.’ A good wife is her husband’s crown.”
He added that the biblical description of a virtuous woman in the Book of Proverbs perfectly reflects Oluremi Tinubu’s life.
“You have given these words true meaning in my life. You have stood by my side through every season.”
Tinubu recalled moments when uncertainty surrounded their future, saying his wife remained calm, encouraged him and strengthened him through prayer.
“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. Through all these years, you have remained the one who truly understands me.”
He described the First Lady as someone who tells him the truth, even when it is difficult to hear.
“I call you my truest friend and confidante because you speak the truth plainly, even on the days I would rather not hear it.
“After a demanding day, you wait until we are alone before telling me what I need to hear. I have always cherished you for that honesty.”
Beyond their family, the President praised Oluremi Tinubu’s humanitarian work, saying her compassion has transformed many lives across Nigeria.
According to him, she has consistently shown kindness to widows, elderly citizens, women farmers, children and vulnerable Nigerians without seeking public recognition.
“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.”
Tinubu noted that her commitment to public service has remained evident from the establishment of the New Era Foundation during his years as Governor of Lagos State to the Renewed Hope Initiative, which she now leads as First Lady.
“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.
“Those affected by tuberculosis or any disease at all have found in you a compassionate advocate and a determined champion.”
The President also applauded her for showing compassion to Nigerians regardless of ethnicity, religion or region.
“I know the prayers you offer for people whose names you may never know. I also know many whom you have helped without ever meeting them. For you, compassion has never recognised the boundaries of tribe, region or religion.”
Reflecting on their journey together, Tinubu said years of shared sacrifices, prayers and difficult decisions had strengthened their marriage.
“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 concluded the message by expressing gratitude for their life together and praying for many more years of good health and happiness for the First Lady.
“I thank you for the life we have built and the love that has held it together.
“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.”
Oluremi Tinubu, a former three-term senator for Lagos Central, has built a reputation for championing women, children and vulnerable groups through humanitarian programmes. Since becoming First Lady, she has expanded those efforts through the Renewed Hope Initiative, focusing on education, healthcare, economic empowerment and social welfare across the country. Her 66th birthday has attracted goodwill messages from political leaders, supporters and Nigerians in recognition of her contributions to public service.
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