Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, received widespread tributes from lawmakers, governors, and political leaders on Sunday, marking her 65th birthday with accolades for her decades-long service to the nation.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, praised Mrs Tinubu for her contributions to nation-building, particularly through her ongoing humanitarian project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
“I join all Nigerians and other well-wishers worldwide in congratulating Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, on the occasion of her 65th birthday celebration today,” Barau said.
He pointed out her earlier work as First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, noting that her New Era Foundation positively impacted millions of women, children, and youths.
Barau further recognized her tenure in the Senate, representing Lagos Central from 2011 to 2023, stressing that she “left no stone unturned in addressing the country’s challenges through the various committees she chaired and served on.”
He prayed for “long life, sound health, and wisdom” for the First Lady as she continues to support the President in delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda.
A true amazon — Abiru
Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East, also congratulated Mrs Tinubu, describing her as “a true amazon” whose dedication to public service and leadership in championing vulnerable groups has “touched countless lives and uplifted the most disadvantaged in our society.”
He said, “Through your impactful humanitarian interventions and purposeful initiatives, you have touched countless lives and uplifted the most disadvantaged in our society. On this joyous occasion, we join your family, friends, associates, and innumerable well-wishers in offering prayers for your continued good health, strength, and fulfilment.
“May the Almighty God bless you abundantly, grant the desires of your heart, and endow you with greater grace and vitality to remain an icon of hope, inspiration, and leadership for many Nigerians.”
Compassionate leader – Benjamin Kalu
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, lauded Mrs Tinubu as “a compassionate leader whose dedication to youth and women’s empowerment is evident through her numerous initiatives and pet projects.”
He specifically praised her advocacy for the reserved seats bill aimed at promoting women’s inclusion in governance and noted that her efforts in education and empowerment continue to serve as a model for women in leadership.
Mother of the nation – Obasa
In Lagos, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, referred to Mrs Tinubu as the “Mother of the Nation,” highlighting her work with the Renewed Hope Initiative and likening it to her earlier New Era Foundation.
“Her work is not just about policies; it’s about touching lives and bringing real, tangible change to our society,” Obasa said, noting that her programmes “have transcended local beginnings, blossoming into a nationwide movement that addresses pressing issues and instills a renewed sense of hope.”
Symbol of dignity – Northern leaders
Northern leaders joined the tributes, with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, celebrating Mrs Tinubu as “a symbol of dignity and a true matriarch of the nation whose quiet strength and compassion continue to inspire hope and touch lives across the length and breadth of the country.”
He commended her humanitarian projects under the Renewed Hope Initiative and her support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Inspiration to millions — Ododo
Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo described the First Lady as “an amazon and a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians,” praising her life of service, devotion to God, and consistent support for the vulnerable.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also released a tribute at midnight on Sunday, celebrating his wife not only as a partner but as “my confidant, counsellor, and steady anchor through decades of political and personal trials.”
He acknowledged her sacrifices and enduring support, stating, “Through every season, from the long years of struggle and political exile, to leadership responsibilities, you have stood firmly by my side with dignity, patience, and devotion that words can scarcely express.”
Shining example of womanhood — TASG
On its part, the Tinubu-Ambo Support Group (TASG) described the First Lady as “a mother in a million” and “a pillar behind our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
In a statement, the group’s National Director General, Hon. Dr. Seyi Bamigbade, highlighted Mrs Tinubu’s decades-long public service, noting that “Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s life is an inspiring story of dedication to humanity, uncommon compassion, and leadership that uplifts others.” He recalled her tenure in the Nigerian Senate, emphasizing that she “left indelible marks… championing causes that improved the lives of women, youth, and the vulnerable.”
The statement credited Mrs Tinubu’s initiatives with bringing “light, comfort, and renewed hope to countless families across the nation,” describing her as “a shining example of womanhood and a matriarch of leadership.”
The group prayed for her continued good health and guidance, affirming her status as “a mother to the nation, a blessing to this generation, and a pride to us all.”
Widely recognized for her advocacy for women’s empowerment and youth development, Mrs Tinubu has championed initiatives in education, social welfare, economic empowerment, and health support. Her work continues to influence governance, policy, and humanitarian outreach nationwide, reflecting a career that spans public office, philanthropy, and national leadership.
