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 patience, grace, courage, compassion and steadfast faith.
News Point Nigeria reports that Tinubu, in a heartfelt birthday message dated September 21, 2026, reflected on his long journey with Oluremi, saying she had stood by him through every season and remained a source of counsel, comfort, prayer and truth throughout their years together.
Addressing her affectionately as “Oluremi mi,” the President wrote: “Today, I celebrate the woman who has walked beside me with patience, grace and uncommon courage.”
He recalled the Yoruba saying, “Ìyàwó rere ni adé ọkọ rẹ̀,” meaning that a good wife is her husband’s crown, and also referenced the Book of Proverbs, which he said Oluremi knows “far better than I do,” for its eloquent description of the worth of a virtuous woman.
Tinubu said his wife had given those words true meaning in his life, stressing that she had stood by his side through every season.
“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,” he wrote.
He added that during difficult times, when the future was uncertain, Oluremi remained calm beside him and prayed with him.
“Through all these years, you have remained the one who truly understands me,” the President said.
According to Tinubu, Oluremi often sensed when he needed counsel before he asked for it, adding that there were nights when her mere presence was enough to provide the counsel he needed.
“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.
He recalled that after demanding days, Oluremi would wait until they were alone before telling him what he needed to hear, saying he had always cherished her for that honesty.
The President also praised the role she had played in their family, saying their home bears the lasting imprint of her devotion, while their children and grandchildren have grown beneath the shelter of her prayers.
He said the children and grandchildren carry her values of faith and kindness wherever life takes them.
Tinubu also highlighted Oluremi’s public humanitarian work, saying Nigerians know her for her 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,” he wrote.
He recalled her work through the New Era Foundation during their years in Lagos and the Renewed Hope Initiative today, saying her care had reached many young boys and girls, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers across the country.
“Those affected by tuberculosis or any disease at all have found in you a compassionate advocate and a determined champion,” Tinubu said.
He said he knew the prayers Oluremi offered for people whose names she might never know, as well as many people she had helped without ever meeting them.
“For you, compassion has never recognised the boundaries of tribe, region or religion,” he added.
Reflecting on their years together, Tinubu said a long journey teaches a man the true value of a good partner, noting that they had 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.
The President then offered what was perhaps the most personal line in his birthday message, saying that if life gave him the opportunity to return to the beginning, he would still make the same choice.
“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 wrote.
He thanked his wife for the life they had built together and for the love that had held it together.
“Happy 66th birthday, my darling Oluremi. I pray that God Almighty will grant you many more years in good health and joy,” he said.
“May the years ahead bring you the same comfort and happiness you have so freely given to me and many others.”
The message was signed by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and dated September 21, 2026.