Remi Tinubu

Oluremi “Remi” Tinubu CON is a prominent Nigerian politician who has been serving as the First Lady of Nigeria since 2023, as the wife of President Bola Tinubu. She previously held the position of First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 during her husband’s tenure as governor. Additionally, she served as the senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian National Assembly from 2011 to 2023. She is affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) political party.

Early Life
Born on 21 September 1960, Oluremi Tinubu is the 12th of 13 children from the Ikusebiala family of Ogun State. Her upbringing in a large family laid a foundation of resilience and community commitment.

Education
Tinubu’s educational journey began at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, where she earned her West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 1979. She later pursued further studies, obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma from The Redeemed Christian Bible College in 2010.
Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Ife and a National Certificate of Education in Botany and Zoology from Adeyemi College of Education.

Political Career
Oluremi Tinubu’s political prominence was first spotlighted when she became the First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. During this time, she founded the New Era Foundation, an organization devoted to establishing centers focused on the holistic development of children and raising public awareness about environmental health and community service.

In 2011, she transitioned into legislative politics by winning election as the senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, a position she held for three consecutive terms until 2023. Her election was initially challenged but ultimately upheld by the Legislative House Election Petition Tribunal in 2012.
As a senator, Tinubu was noted for advocating security reforms, including a call for the establishment of state police to address Nigeria’s escalating insecurity. She also championed youth empowerment through initiatives such as the Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Scheme in partnership with the Good Boys and Girls Empowerment Scheme (GBGES), helping over 1,000 beneficiaries gain skills and startup capital.

In 2021, she proposed legislative reforms aimed at revitalizing the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to improve its efficiency and viability. Her impactful legislative work earned her the accolade of the Most Impactful Female Senator at The Guardian’s International Women’s Day Summit in 2021.
Throughout her senatorial career, she was recognized as one of the few female lawmakers in Nigeria’s National Assembly, highlighting her role as a trailblazer for women in politics.

Awards and Honors
Remi Tinubu’s service has been acknowledged with multiple awards, including the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). She is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Kings University, Ode-Omu. Her leadership and contributions to society earned her international recognition, such as the Ghana Noble International Award for Leadership in 2004 and the Gambian Diamond Award in 2005 for her efforts in poverty alleviation.

Personal Life
Oluremi Tinubu is married to Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, and together they have three children: Zainab Abisola Tinubu, Habibat Tinubu, and Olayinka Tinubu. She is also stepmother to Bola Tinubu’s three children from previous relationships: Olajide Tinubu (deceased), Folashade Tinubu, and Oluwaseyi Tinubu.
A devout Christian, Remi Tinubu is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, having been ordained in 2018 during the church’s 66th annual convention. She is also recognized as the Grand Matron of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), underscoring her commitment to community and social welfare initiatives.

Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady since 2023, has significantly expanded her influence beyond her previous roles as Lagos State First Lady and senator. Her multifaceted approach encompasses legislative initiatives, philanthropic endeavors, and advocacy for women’s empowerment, all underpinned by her commitment to national development.

Legislative Initiatives

During her tenure as a senator representing Lagos Central from 2011 to 2023, Tinubu was instrumental in sponsoring and supporting legislation aimed at social welfare and women’s rights. Notably, she proposed bills to reform the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to enhance its viability and efficiency. Her legislative focus often centered on empowering marginalized groups and improving public services.

Philanthropic Activities

Tinubu’s philanthropic efforts are channeled through various initiatives:

• New Era Foundation: Established in 2000, this foundation focuses on youth development, girl-child education, and women empowerment. It introduced the annual Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition, which produces the “One Day Governor,” and the Alternative High School for girls who dropped out of school. 

• Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI): As First Lady, she launched RHI to support women farmers through the Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP), providing grants and resources to enhance agricultural productivity.

• Youth Empowerment: Through schemes like the Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Scheme (YESAS), she has facilitated training and provided startup kits to thousands of youths, promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship. 

Role as First Lady

In her capacity as First Lady, Tinubu has initiated programs addressing critical social issues:

• Education Advocacy: She has been a proponent of girl-child education, reintroducing the Alternative High School for Girls to encourage re-enrollment and retention in schools.

• Health Initiatives: Under RHI, she launched the Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign, targeting the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. Additionally, she facilitated the procurement of professional kits for midwives to support maternal and infant health. 

• Cultural Advocacy: Tinubu has emphasized the importance of cultural identity, urging Nigerian women to embrace modest dressing and reject foreign fashion influences that conflict with Nigerian values. 

• Support for Persons with Disabilities: Her appointment as the Grand Patron of the African Para Games and Para Sports in Africa underscores her commitment to inclusivity and support for differently-abled athletes. 

Oluremi Tinubu’s initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to national development, focusing on empowerment, education, health, and cultural preservation. Her work continues to impact various facets of Nigerian society positively.

• Date Of Birth: 21 September 1960
• Country: Nigeria
• President/ Head Of State: President Bola Tinubu
• Years in Office: 29 May 2023 - Present