President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as his “truest friend, confidante and life partner”.
In a birthday message on Sunday, the President praised Oluremi for standing by him with “patience, grace and uncommon courage” throughout their life together.
Tinubu said the burdens he carried often found their way to his wife’s shoulders, while thoughts he could not express somehow reached her.
“In difficult times, when the future was uncertain, you stayed calm beside me and prayed with me,” Tinubu said.
He described the First Lady as someone who understood him deeply and often recognised when he needed counsel before he asked.
“More often than not, you sense when I need counsel before I ask. There have been nights when your presence alone was counsel enough,” he said.
The President called Oluremi his “truest friend and confidante”, commending her willingness to tell him the truth even when it was difficult to hear.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu also praised Oluremi’s devotion to their family, saying their children and grandchildren had grown under the shelter of her prayers and inherited her values of faith and kindness.
He acknowledged her compassion, generosity and steadfast faith, noting that Nigerians had come to know her for quietly touching lives and offering hope to people in need.
The President recalled her humanitarian activities through the New Era Foundation and the Renewed Hope Initiative, which he said had reached vulnerable Nigerians across the country.
According to him, her interventions had supported young people, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers, while people affected by tuberculosis and other diseases had also benefited from her advocacy.
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on their years together, Tinubu said their journey had included difficult decisions, sacrifices, laughter and prayer.
The President thanked Oluremi for the life they had built together and prayed for many more years of 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,” Tinubu said.
