WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump on Thursday publicly acknowledged Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, describing her as a very respected woman while highlighting her religious leadership.
Speaking before US lawmakers, religious leaders, and international guests at the annual event, Trump recognized Mrs. Tinubu in the audience as he addressed issues of faith and global religious freedom.
We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. A very respected woman… It’s a great honour, Trump said.
Mrs. Tinubu is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal Christian denominations founded by Pa Josiah Akindayomi.
Trump’s remarks come amid continued international focus on Nigeria’s security situation, particularly claims by some US officials and lawmakers about violence affecting Christian communities.
In October 2025, Trump designated Nigeria a country of particular concern” over alleged attacks on Christians a move strongly rejected by the Nigerian government.
The Federal Government maintains that the country’s security challenges stem from terrorism and criminality affecting citizens across religious lines, stressing that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion for both Muslims and Christians.
The diplomatic tensions have led to discussions in the US Congress and increased security cooperation between the two countries, including the formation of a US–Nigeria Working Group on security issues.
