Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on citizens to move away from what she described as an “entitlement mentality,” urging them to show greater responsibility, integrity and dedication in their roles.
Her remarks were contained in a statement released on Thursday, the 5th of March, 2026, by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi.
The statement noted that the First Lady made the appeal while hosting women from different parts of the country at an interfaith Breaking of Fast gathering held to mark both the Muslim Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season.
Addressing the participants, Senator Tinubu said the overlap of the two religious observances sends a strong message about unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
“Today, like I said, is indeed a great day. It is a day that God only made for us to gather together, and for women, first, from different backgrounds. Since the Ramadan fast was announced, and the Lenten season began together, it was like God was speaking to us as a nation,” she said.
She pointed out that attempts by some individuals to stir division based on religion do not reflect the everyday reality of Nigerians, many of whom have long lived side by side despite differences in faith.
“Recently, we know a lot of things have been going on and people are trying to target towards our religious beliefs… And we Nigerians, we know that most of the time that is not the case. Some of us are married to men of different faiths, and we lived together among us for many years. Me, almost 40 years,” she noted.
Drawing on her personal life, the First Lady spoke about her marriage to President Bola Tinubu, saying mutual respect has helped sustain their relationship for nearly four decades.
“And I can tell you, I cannot remember when both of us raised our voices at each other. Maybe not more than twice in the 40 years, I can tell you that.
“So we’ve been quite mature and respectful about that. And I believe that’s the best way to live together,” she added.
She also repeated her call for Nigerians to abandon what she described as an “entitlement mentality,” urging citizens to focus on how they can make meaningful contributions to society.
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The First Lady further advised women married to public office holders, as well as those occupying leadership positions themselves, to recognise their influence in encouraging responsible leadership and national progress.
“Most women in this room, either you have your own office, or your husband is in the public office… you as the wife has the role to play,” she added.
She also stressed the need for older generations to guide young people, saying the nation’s future depends on the values and direction given to them.
At the event, a Director at the National Open University of Nigeria, Ganiyat Adejoke Adesina-Uthman, delivered a lecture highlighting concerns about declining public trust in government positions.
Speaking on the theme, “Serving with Excellence, Compassion and Integrity in Public Life On excellence,” she stressed that integrity must remain a core value for anyone entrusted with public office.