President Bola Tinubu has marked the 66th birthday of his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, with a personal tribute in which he described her as his “truest friend and confidante”.
In a message shared on Monday, the President reflected on their years together, praising Oluremi for her patience, courage, compassion and continued support through different phases of his life.
Tinubu said his wife had remained beside him during difficult periods, sharing his burdens, offering counsel and praying with him when circumstances were uncertain.
“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.
He said Oluremi had brought to life the biblical qualities associated with a virtuous woman, adding that she had remained a source of understanding and strength throughout their marriage.
“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 further highlighted his wife’s willingness to give him honest advice, saying he valued her ability to speak candidly even when her words were 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,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu also credited Oluremi with playing a major role in the upbringing of their children and grandchildren, saying her commitment to faith and kindness had influenced 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.
Beyond the family, the President acknowledged the First Lady’s humanitarian work, particularly through the New Era Foundation and the Renewed Hope Initiative.
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“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.
He noted that her initiatives had reached young people, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers in different parts of 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 praised Oluremi’s advocacy for people affected by tuberculosis and other diseases, describing her as a compassionate advocate whose concern for others was not limited by ethnic, regional or religious considerations.
“For you, compassion has never recognised the boundaries of tribe, region or religion,” he said.
Reflecting on their shared journey, the President recalled the difficult decisions and sacrifices they had faced together, saying such experiences 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.
Tinubu said that given another opportunity to relive his life, he would still choose the path that brought him to Oluremi.
“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.
He ended the tribute by wishing the First Lady continued 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.