President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid an intimate tribute to his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
He declared that if given another chance to begin life afresh, he would still choose the path that brought them together.
In a personal message marking the First Lady’s 66th birthday today, the President described his wife as his “truest friend and confidante,” recalling the difficult years, sacrifices, and private moments that have defined their journey together.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
The President, who addressed his wife affectionately as “Oluremi mi,” said she has stood beside him with patience, grace and “uncommon courage” through different seasons of their lives.
He recalled a Yoruba saying: “Ìyàwó rere ni adé oko ree”, meaning “a good wife is her husband’s crown,” stressing that the First Lady has given practical meaning to the expression in his life.
President Tinubu also drew from the biblical Book of Proverbs on the worth of a virtuous woman, saying his wife has remained a source of strength, counsel, and prayer, particularly during periods of uncertainty.
“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.
“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.
The President said the First Lady often knew when he needed advice even before he sought it, adding that there had been occasions when her presence alone provided the counsel he needed.
He described her honesty as one of the qualities he had treasured throughout their years together, saying she had never hesitated to tell him uncomfortable truths.
“I call you my truest friend and confidante because you speak the truth plainly, even on the days I would rather not hear it.
“After a demanding day, you wait until we are alone before telling me what I need to hear. I have always cherished you for that honesty,” he said.
The President also praised his wife for her devotion to their family, saying their children and grandchildren have grown under the influence of her prayers, faith and kindness.
According to him, the imprint of the First Lady’s devotion is evident in their home and in the values their children and grandchildren carry with them.
Turning to her public service and humanitarian activities, President Tinubu said Nigerians have come to know his wife for her compassion, generosity and steadfast faith.
He recalled her humanitarian interventions through the New Era Foundation during their years in Lagos and, more recently, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), saying the programmes have reached young Nigerians, widows, senior citizens and women farmers across the country.
President Tinubu also lauded her advocacy for people affected by tuberculosis and other diseases, describing her as a compassionate advocate for the vulnerable.
“I know the prayers you offer for people whose names you may never know. I also know many whom you have helped without ever meeting them. For you, compassion has never recognised the boundaries of tribe, region or religion,” he said.
Reflecting on their years together, the President said their journey had taught him the true value of having a dependable partner.
“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.
Expressing gratitude for their life together, President Tinubu added: “I thank you for the life we have built and the love that has held it together.”
The President prayed for many more years of good health and happiness for the First Lady, wishing that the years ahead would bring her the same comfort and happiness she had given him and others.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
