Drums roll for Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she turned 63 on September 21, writes MAYOWA SAMUEL
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is, arguably, the most influential when compared to other former first ladies, the impact and achievements she has made both as a politician and as a mother, stands her out.
Born in 1960, into the Ikusebiala family in Ogun State, she is the last of 13 children.
Her education started at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, where she obtained her West African Senior Secondary School Certificate in 1979.
She thereafter received a National Certificate of Education in Botany and Zoology from the Adeyemi College of Education, after which she bagged a degree in Education from the University of Ife. She also obtained a Post Graduate Diploma from The Redeemed Christian Bible College in 2010.
She got married to President Bola Tinubu, a Muslim, and they have three children, namely; Zainab Abisola, Habibat and Olayinka. She is also a stepmother to her husband’s three children from previous relationships namely, the late Olajide, Folashade and Oluwaseyi.
The First Lady said she became a born-again Christian while she was in exile with her family in the United States, adding that the trauma of being alone in the US, with little kids and without her husband, led her to Christ.
She served in the Lord’s vineyard, and was ordained a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 2018 at the church’s Old Arena of RCCG, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway during its 66th annual convention themed “Dominion”.
The wife of one of the founders of APC previously served as the First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. During her tenure, she founded the New Era Foundation which had the goal of establishing centres for the comprehensive development of children and raising public awareness on environmental health and community service.
Senator Tinubu carried out various humanitarian programmes targeted at youths and students.
She also had the Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Scheme, which collaborated with other groups such as the Good Boys and Girls Empowerment Scheme to empower over 1170 beneficiaries.
At another time, over 160 young people were trained on various skills and received start up kits and capital of about N40, 000 each.
The Spelling Bees Competition organised by her, produced the One Day Governors in Lagos State. These and several other students through this life-changing experience have moved to conquer their world through outstanding career exploits.
The legacy continued long after her husband’s exit from the corridors of power.
After her husband completed his tenure as governor, she went into politics full time. She ran for and won election into the Nigerian Senate in 2011, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District on the platform of the APC in the 7th, 8th and 9th Senate, spanning 12 years.
While in the Upper Chamber, Remi sponsored, co-sponsored, or supported bills, served on committees, and exercised oversight functions, one of which was her attempt to revitalise the dying state-owned institutions like the Nigerian Postal Service, among others. Issues concerning women and young people were top on her list.
She won many awards and got recognition. She was a recipient of the Eko Excellence Awards in 2019, along with current Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, business tycoon Tony Elumelu and a host of other trailblazers.
In 2021, she was recognized as the most impactful female Nigerian Senator at The Guardian Newspaper-organized International Women’s Day Summit. She is also the Grand Matron of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, an organisation she initiated during her days in Alausa.
In addition to her being conferred with the Nigerian national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger by former President Muhammadu Buhari, she also holds Ghana’s Noble International Award for Leadership in 2004, and the Gambian Diamond Award for Immense Contribution to the Emancipation of People from Poverty in 2005.
She also received the award for the most impactful female senator at The Guardian organized International Women’s Day Summit 2021. She’s a member, Board of Trustees of Kings’ University, Ode-Omu.
TRIBUTE GALORE
President Tinubu in a personal letter addressed to his wife, showered encomiums on her, describing her as “my trusted partner in every venture,” while praising her for her companionship for close to four decades.
It read, “Happy 63rd birthday to the love of my life, Oluremi. My trusted partner in every venture, and the one special person who has consistently filled my days with joy and laughter over 36 amazing years.
“Today is not only a day to mark another year of your purposeful life but a beautiful reminder of the journey we have embarked upon together.
“Through all these years, we have shared in the uncertainty of dangerous, but principled stands against tyranny. Many cannot fully appreciate the sacrifices you made for us during that harrowing, dark era, but I do and always will.
“We have experienced adventure, love, and laughter. We have celebrated victories, and we have wrestled down the monster of defeat, and we have done all in an inextricable bond.
“Our bond has only grown stronger through thick and thin, and our love and commitment to each other has only deepened with time.
“Thank you for being the ever-present sunshine that brightens my darkest hours.
“Your kindness, your wisdom, and your inner and outer beauty continue to amaze me more each and every day.
“As we celebrate your birthday, I want you to know how profoundly grateful I am for your serene presence in my life.
“I look forward to many more years filled with even greater laughter and love as we continue on this path together, which God Almighty had predestined for us.
“May the Good Lord, whom you serve with all your heart, continue to bless you with good health and longevity. Happy birthday, Iyawo Mi! Love always.”
The APC in its congratulatory statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka said, “Today, we celebrate this titan, a woman of great strength, courage and purpose, a kindhearted fountain of inspiration, a tireless giver and nurturer who has touched the lives of millions of Nigerians, especially women, youth, children and the most vulnerable citizens across our land.
“Now that providence has bestowed grace on you as the First Lady of our nation in this epoch of great expectations, we are confident that you will continue to be the bedrock of support for our dear President as he leads the onerous efforts to remake and set our country on a path of balanced and sustainable growth and prosperity.
“On behalf of the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, distinguished members of the National Working Committee, leaders and members of our great party, here is wishing you God’s wisdom, guidance, excellent health and great joy, now and in the many years to come.”
In the same vein, female Senators in the 9th National Assembly, Senators Stella Oduah and Biodun Olujimi, in their congratulatory messages to the First Lady, described her as a committed advocate for women and youth emancipation.
In a statement jointly signed by Oduah and Olujimi who represented Anambra North and Ekiti South respectively, they felicitated with their former colleague who represented Lagos Central.
“On the political turf, your concepts and contributions on national issues have affected our nation positively”
The statement read, “On behalf of the 9th Senate girls, we wish to celebrate a friend and one of the most beautiful human beings we’ve ever had the privilege of experiencing up close and personal these past few years as she adds yet another year in what has now become a sterling life strewn with service to Humanity.
“The First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, OON, has continually been at the forefront of advocating and advancing programs and policies, particularly in the areas of women and youth empowerment, and there remains no doubt that her present position will be a great boost in these areas where she’s proven to be most passionate.
“We extend our warm felicitations on this great day whilst praying that God will continue to imbue her with more wisdom, great health and peace to be able to take on the present arduous task of unwaveringly standing in the gap on behalf of the downtrodden in our midst.
“Happy Birthday Sister in whom we remain overly pleased.”
Also, the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mamoud in her birthday message said Senator Tinubu’s leadership shines bright and is daily impacting the lives of Nigerians.
“Your years of service and commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians particularly women and children is worth celebrating. Nigerians look forward to the positive impact you will continue to mark on our beloved country as we move to renew the hope of our people,” she said.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu congratulated the First Lady saying, “Our First Lady attaining the age of 63 years in grace, elegance and good health is worth celebrating. Over the years, you have shown your passion for the needy in our country.
“On the political turf, your concepts and contributions on national issues have affected our nation positively. You have displayed courage and bravery on many occasions to show your passion for a better Nigeria.”
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who is a former deputy governor in Lagos State, congratulated her.
She said, “Senator Tinubu’s motherly disposition, characterised by warmth and compassion, has left a lasting impact on many Nigerians. Her commitment to the welfare and well-being of Nigerians is commendable. She has over the years become a symbol of hope and inspiration to many.
“The First Lady’s unwavering commitment to the SDGs is a shining example for Nigeria’s future. Her advocacy for sustainable development, gender equality, and social inclusion aligns with the global agenda for a better world. Her efforts in promotion of education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation have significantly advanced the SDGs in Nigeria,” Orelope-Adefulire added.
Staff of the presidential villa also felicitated with Mrs. Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, described the First Lady as a “compassionate and responsive mother.”
It read, “The State House Management and Staff joyfully celebrate Senator Oluremi Tinubu, not only as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but also as a compassionate and responsive mother to both her children and the entire nation, as she marks her 63rd birthday.
“Senator Tinubu’s remarkable qualities extend beyond her role as the chief supporter and confidant of Nigeria’s number one citizen.
“She is a consummate leader, teacher, humanitarian, and a fervent minister of the gospel.
“As the first ever woman to serve three terms in the Nigerian Senate, she holds a unique position in history to ensure that public administration across the government is infused with compassion and empathy for the plight of the people.
“Today, we express our deep gratitude for her unwavering commitment to our country and the welfare of hundreds of millions of Nigerians, both at home and abroad.”
