‘I’d choose same road that led me to you’ — Tinubu celebrates wife at 66

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his wife, First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as his “truest friend and confidante” and praising her patience, courage, compassion and unwavering support throughout their years together.

In a deeply personal birthday message issued ahead of her birthday on Monday, September 21, the President said he would make the same choice if life offered him an opportunity to start over.

“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 said.

The President, who addressed the First Lady as “Oluremi mi”, said she had stood beside him through difficult periods, offering counsel and prayers even when he could not articulate his concerns.

“Today, I celebrate the woman who has walked beside me with patience, grace and uncommon courage,” he said.

Quoting a Yoruba proverb, “Ìyàwó rere ni adé ọkọ rẹ̀” — meaning that a good wife is her husband’s crown — Tinubu said Oluremi had given the saying practical meaning in his life.

“You have stood by my 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 said.

According to the President, the First Lady had remained a source of calm and counsel during periods of uncertainty, noting that her presence alone had sometimes been enough to guide him.

“In difficult times, when the future was uncertain, you stayed calm beside me and prayed with me.

“Through all these years, you have remained the one who truly understands me,” he said.

Tinubu also praised his wife for her willingness to offer him honest counsel, saying she often told him what he needed to hear even when he would rather not hear it.

“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.

The President said Oluremi’s devotion had also left a lasting mark on their children and grandchildren, who, he noted, had grown under the shelter of her prayers and carried her values of faith and kindness.

Beyond her role within the family, Tinubu highlighted the First Lady’s public service and humanitarian activities, citing her work through the New Era Foundation and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

“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,” he said.

He recalled that her humanitarian interventions had reached young people, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers, while also supporting people affected by tuberculosis and other diseases.

“From the New Era Foundation during our years in the saddle in Lagos to the Renewed Hope Initiative today, your care has reached many young boys and girls, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers across the country,” Tinubu said.

The President further said his wife’s compassion transcended ethnic, regional and religious boundaries.

“For you, compassion has never recognised the boundaries of tribe, region or religion,” he said.

Reflecting on their years together, Tinubu said their journey had been marked by difficult decisions, sacrifices, laughter and prayer.

“A long journey teaches a man the true value of a good partner. 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.

The President thanked the First Lady for the life they had built together and prayed for many more years of good health and happiness.

“I thank you for the life we have built and the love that has held it together,” Tinubu said.

“Happy 66th birthday, my darling Oluremi. I pray that God Almighty will grant you many more years in good health and joy.

“May the years ahead bring you the same comfort and happiness you have so freely given to me and many others.”