By Abubakar Yunusa
President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as his “truest friend and confidante” who has stood by him through difficult moments.
Tinubu, in a birthday message posted on his X handle on Monday, praised the First Lady for her patience, courage, kindness and compassion, saying she had remained a trusted source of counsel throughout their years together.
He said, “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 his wife had walked beside him “with patience, grace and uncommon courage”, adding that she had shared his burdens and supported him during uncertain periods.
“Àwọn àgbà sọ pé, ‘Ìyàwó rere ni adé ọkọ rẹ̀.’ A good wife is her husband’s crown,” Tinubu said.
“The Book of Proverbs, which you know far better than I do, also speaks eloquently of the worth of a virtuous woman.”
Tinubu said Oluremi had given those words meaning in his life and remained the person who understood him most.
“You have stood by my side through every season. The burdens that were mine to bear often found their way onto your shoulders,” he said.
He added that his wife often knew when he needed counsel even before he asked for it.
“There have been nights when your presence alone was counsel enough,” the President said.
Tinubu also praised Oluremi for her honesty, saying she often waited until they were alone before telling him what he needed to hear.
“I have always cherished you for that honesty,” he said.
The President said the First Lady’s influence extended beyond their family, noting that Nigerians knew her for her compassion, kindness, generosity of spirit and steadfast faith.
According to him, Oluremi’s interventions had touched young boys and girls, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers across the country.
He recalled her work through the New Era Foundation during their years in Lagos and the Renewed Hope Initiative under his administration.
“Your care has reached many young boys and girls, widows, elderly citizens, and women farmers across the country,” Tinubu said.
He also commended her advocacy for people affected by tuberculosis and other diseases, describing her as a “compassionate advocate and a determined champion.”
Tinubu said his wife’s compassion had not been limited by tribe, region or religion.
“For you, compassion has never recognised the boundaries of tribe, region or religion,” he said.
Reflecting on their marriage, the President said their long journey together had been marked by difficult decisions, sacrifices, laughter and prayer.
“If life returned me to the beginning, I would choose the same road that led me to you,” Tinubu said.
He thanked Oluremi for the life they had built together and prayed for many more years of good health and joy.
“Happy 66th birthday, my darling Oluremi. I pray that God Almighty will grant you many more years in good health and joy,” he said.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
