President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his wife, Oluremi, on her 66th birthday, describing her as his “truest friend and confidante” and thanking her for standing by him through the difficult and demanding seasons of their life together.
Tinubu, in a birthday message, praised his wife for her patience, courage, faith, and compassion, saying her support had been central to the life they had built together.
“Today, I celebrate the woman who has walked beside me with patience, grace, and uncommon courage,” the President said.
He recalled the Yoruba saying, “Ìyàwó rere ni adé ọkọ rẹ̀,” which he translated as, “A good wife is her husband’s crown,” adding that the Book of Proverbs also spoke of the value of a virtuous woman.
“You have given these words true meaning in my life. You have stood by my side through every season,” Tinubu said.
The President said the burdens he carried had often been shared by his wife, while thoughts he could not express had somehow been understood by her.
“In difficult times, when the future was uncertain, you stayed calm beside me and prayed with me,” he said.
Tinubu described Oluremi as the person who understood him most deeply, saying she often knew when he needed counsel before he asked for it.
“More often than not, you sense when I need counsel before I ask. There have been nights when your presence alone was counsel enough,” he said.
The President also praised his wife for her willingness to tell him difficult truths, describing her as his “truest friend and confidante.”
“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.
Tinubu said he valued her honesty, recalling that she would often wait until they were alone after a demanding day before telling him what he needed to hear.
“I have always cherished you for that honesty,” he said.
He also highlighted Oluremi’s role in their family, saying their children and grandchildren had grown under the influence of her prayers and values.
“Our home bears the lasting imprint of your devotion. Our children and grandchildren have grown beneath the shelter of your prayers. They carry your values of faith and kindness wherever life takes them,” he said.
Beyond her role within the family, Tinubu acknowledged his wife’s public humanitarian activities, saying Nigerians had come to know her for “compassion, kindness, generosity of spirit, and steadfast faith.”
He recalled her involvement with the New Era Foundation during their years in Lagos and her current work through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“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,” he said.
The President also praised her advocacy for people affected by tuberculosis and other diseases, describing her as “a compassionate advocate and a determined champion.”
According to Tinubu, his wife’s compassion extends beyond ethnic, regional, and religious boundaries.
“For you, compassion has never recognized the boundaries of tribe, region, or religion,” he said.
Reflecting on their years together, the President said their journey had been marked by difficult decisions, sacrifices, and moments when laughter and prayer helped them through challenging periods.
“A long journey teaches a man the true value of a good partner. We have travelled a long road together,” he said.
Tinubu said he would make the same choice if given the opportunity to start life again.
“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,” he said.
The President concluded his message by thanking Oluremi for the life and love they had built together and praying for her continued health and happiness.
“I thank you for the life we have built and the love that has held it together,” he said.
“Happy 66th birthday, my darling Oluremi. I pray that God Almighty will grant you many more years in good health and joy.”
Tinubu added: “May the years ahead bring you the same comfort and happiness you have so freely given to me and many others.”
