ABUJA: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as his truest friend and confidante and praising her for standing by him through the different stages of their life together.
In a heartfelt birthday message issued by the State House on Monday, September 21, 2026, the President reflected on his marriage to Oluremi Tinubu, highlighting her support, counsel, faith and humanitarian activities.
Tinubu said that despite the challenges they had faced over the years, his wife had remained a source of strength and stability.
The President also declared that if he had the opportunity to begin life again, he would make the same choice.
If life returned me to the beginning, I would choose the same road that led me to you,” Tinubu said.
The President described Oluremi as a woman who had walked beside him with “patience, grace and uncommon courage.”
He recalled how the responsibilities and pressures of public life had often affected their family, saying his wife had remained calm and supportive even during difficult periods.
According to Tinubu, Oluremi had often understood his concerns without requiring him to express them directly.
He described her as someone who could provide counsel even before he asked for it, adding that her presence alone had sometimes offered the reassurance he needed.
Tinubu said he particularly valued her willingness to speak honestly with him, including on issues he might not always want to hear about.
I call you my truest friend and confidante because you speak the truth plainly, even on the days I would rather not hear it, the President said.
Tinubu also praised the First Lady for her role in raising their children and supporting their wider family.
He said their home had been shaped by her devotion and that their children and grandchildren had grown under the influence of her prayers and values.
According to the President, Oluremi had instilled values of faith and kindness that members of the family continue to carry with them.
He also acknowledged the First Lady’s public humanitarian activities, describing her as compassionate, generous and committed to supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
The President highlighted Oluremi Tinubu’s work through the New Era Foundation during their years in Lagos and the Renewed Hope Initiative, her current humanitarian platform.
He said her interventions had reached different groups, including children, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers across Nigeria.
Tinubu also praised her advocacy for people affected by tuberculosis and other diseases, describing her as a compassionate advocate for people facing health challenges.
According to the President, her humanitarian activities have extended across ethnic, regional and religious boundaries.
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,” he said.
For you, compassion has never recognised the boundaries of tribe, region or religion.”
Reflecting on their years together, Tinubu said their journey had involved difficult decisions, sacrifices, laughter and prayer.
He noted that many of the sacrifices made within their family were not visible to the public.
“A long journey teaches a man the true value of a good partner. We have travelled a long road together,” the President said.
He added: “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 concluded the birthday message by thanking Oluremi for the life they had built together and the love that had sustained their family.
The President wished the First Lady a happy 66th birthday 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,” he said.
He also prayed that the years ahead would bring Oluremi the same comfort and happiness he said she had given him and many other people.
The birthday message was signed by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and dated September 21, 2026.
