First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Highlights Faith as Cornerstone of Personal and National Harmony!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (journalist) | Sele Media Africa
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi “Remi” Tinubu, has ignited national discussion following remarks that she cannot maintain relationships with individuals who lack a “fear of God,” emphasizing the centrality of faith in both personal conduct and public service.
Speaking Thursday at an interfaith Breaking of Fast event at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa in Abuja, the First Lady linked her comments to Nigeria’s concurrent Ramadan and Christian Lenten observances, encouraging citizens to embrace mutual respect and spiritual grounding as pathways to national unity.
Reflecting on nearly four decades of her interfaith marriage to President Bola Tinubu, a practicing Muslim, Senator Tinubu highlighted the peaceful coexistence and respect that have defined their relationship. “Some of us are married to people of different faiths, and we have lived together peacefully for many years,” she said. “In nearly 40 years, I cannot recall a time when both of us raised our voices at each other.”
Senator Tinubu framed her position within broader discussions on religious identity and societal cohesion, asserting that “the Bible says the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom” and emphasizing her personal commitment to engage only with individuals who uphold spiritual and moral principles. She urged Nigerians to consider faith as a guiding framework for interpersonal and civic interactions.
Addressing women leaders and influential figures including wives of state governors, female legislators, and civil society representatives the First Lady also underscored the importance of excellence, compassion, and integrity in public service, while highlighting the critical role women play in nurturing future generations toward unity and respect.
Her statements emerge against the backdrop of ongoing national debates on religious coexistence and unity, reflecting Nigeria’s enduring engagement with faith as a social and political force. While supporters hailed her message as a call for moral accountability and interfaith harmony, critics warned that defining civic engagement strictly through religious standards could alienate secular communities. Coverage of her speech shows a spectrum of reactions, from commendation of her interfaith advocacy to cautious scrutiny over potential societal implications.
Context and Broader Significance
Senator Tinubu’s remarks reaffirm her consistent advocacy for values, morality, and social cohesion themes she has woven into initiatives on education, child welfare, and community empowerment. The interfaith event, designed to foster dialogue during overlapping religious observances, drew a broad cross-section of Nigeria’s religious and civic leaders, reinforcing ongoing efforts to bridge divides within the country’s diverse faith communities.
Sources
Vanguard Nigeria: My relationship with you won’t last if you don’t fear God – Oluremi Tinubu
AllAfrica / Leadership: Simultaneous Ramadan, Lent Message From God – Remi Tinubu
Western Post: First Lady calls for unity at interfaith women’s breaking of fast
Nigerian Bulletin: First Lady Remi Tinubu: “I Can’t Relate With Anyone Who Does Not Have the Fear of God”
Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.
About The Author
Share this:
Discover more from Sele Media Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
