DPresident Bola Tinubu has celebrated his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as his “truest friend and confidante.”
In a heartfelt birthday message released on Monday, the President praised Oluremi for her patience, courage, compassion and support throughout their years together.
Tinubu said the First Lady had stood by him through different stages of his life, sharing his burdens and offering counsel, particularly during difficult moments.
“Today, I celebrate the woman who has walked beside me with patience, grace and uncommon courage,” he said, quoting the Yoruba saying, “Ìyàwó rere ni adé ọkọ rẹ̀”, meaning, “A good wife is her husband’s crown.”
The President said Oluremi had given practical meaning to the biblical description of a virtuous woman, noting that she had remained a source of strength and understanding to him.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Describing her as his “truest friend and confidante,” the President said Oluremi had always been willing to give him honest advice.
“I call you my truest friend and confidante because you speak the truth plainly, even on the days I would rather not hear it,” he said.
Tinubu also praised his wife for her role in raising their children and grandchildren, saying her values of faith and kindness had left a lasting mark on the family.
“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 stated.
The President also highlighted Oluremi’s humanitarian activities through the New Era Foundation and the Renewed Hope Initiative, saying her interventions had touched the lives of young people, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He further acknowledged her advocacy for people affected by tuberculosis and other diseases, describing her as a compassionate advocate for vulnerable Nigerians.
Tinubu said her compassion had transcended ethnic, regional and religious boundaries.
Reflecting on their years together, the President said the difficult decisions and sacrifices they had shared had strengthened their relationship.
“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 he would still choose Oluremi if given the opportunity to relive his life.
“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,” he said.
He concluded by wishing the First Lady 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.