The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is 65 years old. Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the personal attributes, political antecedents and philanthropic activities of the eminent politician, who has been a pillar of support for her illustrious husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At 65, Oluremi Folasade Tinubu is thinking about how to make life better for Nigerians.
Her birthday calls for celebration. But, she is not rolling out the drums. All gifts are not for herself, but in support of a public cause – the funds should be channelled towards the construction of the National Library, Abuja.
This is arousing public consciousness on the need to pay attention to a neglected aspect of education, which is the diminishing interest in reading, studying and acquiring more knowledge within and outside the school walls.
The library advocacy is the latest in series of intervention in national life. Since May 29, 2023, she has been up and doing, mobilising support and funds for indigent women, youths and victims of disasters – the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Her deep-seated interest in public welfare has also inspired the wives of 36 governors to try to replicate those gestures across the states.
That passion for service has shaped the life and career of the teacher, author, cleric, humanist, philanthropist, politician and progressive leader, who is First Lady of the Federal Republic.
Senator Oluremi is the Amazon behind the throne; a pillar of support for the President and Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on whose shoulders rest the burden of guaranteeing a new lease of life to over 200 million Nigerians across the six geo-political zones and foreigners alike.
To her admirers, she is a first lady of democracy, good governance and philanthropy.
She has made the President to have a settled home. There is no distraction by nuclear family troubles. As a devoted wife and mother of promising children, the home front is safe in the hands of a cultured, caring and compatible partner; a better half of principle, ideology, loyalty, tolerance, accommodation and humanism.
Oluremi was destined to be a politician. Right from the Third Republic, the political exposure was certain as the political activities of her husband made her play host to statesmen, top government functionaries, diplomats, traditional rulers, party leaders and pro-democracy forces.
The journey to fame was long and tortuous for the First Family. She played her part very well, thereby offering inspiration to the younger generation to draw lessons from her capacity for learning, courage, duty, resilience, role modelling, mentoring and discipline.
Three things also stand Yeye Asiwaju of Lagos out. These are her compassion for the poor and vulnerable members of the society, indigent women and youths; and passion for education and human capital development. Those were the focus of New Era Foundation and her empowerment programmes as three-term senator from Lagos Central District.
She is a stickler for time, firm but considerate, and result-driven.
Oluremi rose from a humble beginning. She came from a comfortable family that could afford the good things of life. A damsel, she is also a product of proper western education, always full of etiquette. She attended Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode, where she obtained her West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Exam (WASSCE) in 1979. She also attended Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, where she earned a National Certificate of Education, (NCE) in Botany and Zoology.
Later, she received Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Ife and a PGD from The Redeemed Christian Bible College.
Oluremi is propelled by principled goals, and as a disciplinarian, there is no room for frivolities, idleness, nonsensical enterprise.
As a teacher, and indeed, a technocrat in the classroom and school assembly hall, she had moulded thousands of lives. Many of them are making waves in their various promising careers. Those traits of a caring instructor have always shaped her thoughts and approach to issues as a public leader.
As a former governor’s wife, she was formally inducted into politics and ‘executive administration’ to play behind-the-scenes roles, building on her experience as wife of a Third Republic senator and fighter for democracy. Yet, in that capacity, she was not idle as the founder of the trail-blazing New Era Foundation, which made waves, added value and became a reference point in grooming and extending a duty of care.
As a politician, she has learned the ropes faster, making an impressive mark in the polity. Today, she can be aptly described as the matriarch of the political family. Indeed, behind the successful political megastar, President Tinubu, is her delectable and colourful wife, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who has continued to make marks in philanthropy.
Reminiscent of when she was 50, when her birthday became a national event, Oluremi’s main preoccupation today is thanksgiving to God. Yet, the memory of 18 years ago still lingers. At Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Dr. Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, prayed for the Deaconess, urging her and others present at the ceremony to learn how to count their days in thanksgiving and never relent in good works.
The event was significant. It was unusual for Pastor Adeboye to get to the pulpit during private occasions like birthdays of church members. Oluremi’s was an exception.
When she turned 60 five years ago, she was locked in sober reflection. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was no elaborate celebration. The celebrator pondered on divine blessings from God and distributed the Holy Books to mark her birthday.
If Asiwaju is the Lion of Bourdillion, then, Oluremi is the Lioness. There, she is chief hostess for the progressive family. In both periods of peace and war, she has been the shield of the politically exposed family.
Like her husband, Oluremi’s quest for service is legendary, making the couple share the same virtue with the late Chief Moshood Abiola and his wife, Simbiat. Their collective hobby is giving to people, wiping off tears and making others happy.
It is a tribute to the colossus that she is not associated with any controversy. This is rare. As a public figure, Oluremi affects, and she is also affected by the inevitable forces of socio-political pressure. Perhaps, this is her greatest asset and contribution to the political family, the reputation of her husband and image of her nuclear family. Asiwaju, an astute politician, has the singular luck of not being detracted by the burden of any troublesome wife, because Oluremi has led a life devoid of scandals.
For the younger generation, there is a lot to learn from the lives of the one-time Lagos Central senator in a world that is perpetually full of ups and downs. On her lips are tales of victories, successes and sometimes, drawbacks. But, Oluremi had learned to convert difficulties into challenges. As a moral teacher, role model, initiator and communicator of values, and exemplary leader, her experience can be recorded for posterity; for the instruction of future generations.
In the future, the First Lady will write a comprehensive memoir. The materials are already in the public domain, her life being an open book.
Oluremi’s 35-page book titled: The Journey of Grace: My Faith Walk captured her life, philosophy, vision and mission, projections and essence of womanhood. She dedicated the book to God, her creator, her husband and her crown head, and her children, who remain her joy and consolation. In her view, God, Asiwaju and the children have made her life meaningful.
The marriage of the Muslim and Christian is an example of religious tolerance, which the Yoruba of Southwest has exemplified. It is also a contribution, as it were, to the cause of monogamy.
Legal scholar, Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), who later served as vice president of Nigeria, said the narrative is warm and inspiring, adding that Mrs. Tinubu “is not afraid of sharing her lows and challenges, alongside her incredible successes”. Hailing the small book, eminent cleric, Pastor Folu Adeboye, the Redeemed Christian Church of God Mother-In-Israel, prayed for Oluremi and Asiwaju as they continue to advance the welfare of humanity, at home and abroad.
Life has been kind to the First Lady from infancy. She may not have descended from a clan of billionaires, but basic things of life were not in short supply. Childhood was beautiful for the last daughter and 12th child of the Ijebu chief, John Ikusebiala, who taught her the principles of focus and strong will.
Reminiscing on her early experience, Oluremi said: “The first principle I learnt from him is that there is nothing impossible, if we are determined.” Instructively, the same principle, including hardwork, spirit of commerce and service through politics, were taught to her husband by the market women leader and Action Group (AG) chieftain, the late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, who in her early life, learned the virtue of duty and diligence from the market matriarch, Madam Pelewura.
Other virtues Oluremi learned from his father were contentment, avoidance of ostentatious lifestyles, and background consciousness: “Ranti omo eni ti iwo nse.” But, her mother complemented the domestic teaching of courtesy and etiquette. She taught her precious and promising daughter how to pray and seek the face of God at all times.
It is desirable that young people should have role models to mirror. Oluremi’s role models, who also influenced her upbringing and growth processes, were women of note and substance; Mama Oye Williams, Mrs. Adetoun Mustapha and the late Pastor Bimbo Odukoya.
However, the greatest influence on her life at adulthood is her heartthrob, Tinubu, accountant, financial surgeon and corporate guru-turned politician.
It is not easy to play the role of a wife in Bourdillion. For her, fame and pleasure are accompanied by obvious denial of time and privacy at all times by the political colossus, who since his foray into politics in the aborted Third Republic, has become a national property. It is a political life she had to adjust to; her husband is always thinking about Nigeria, politics, political parties, party members, alliances, fusion, strategy meetings, campaigns, crisis resolution, and people generally.
It is now more than that. On the shoulders of President Tinubu is a great national burden of repositioning the country for excellence and making the continent great.
Oluremi takes solace in the innumerable feats of Tinubu, the most colourful politician in the Fourth Republic. “I thank the Lord for the partner He gave me, to walk hand in hand through life’s journey”, she said, adding: “My marriage has been quite fulfilling and I am now resting in the knowledge that we have more reward for our labour. I thank God that our labour has not been in vain.”
The marriage has not been a bed of roses. At 26, she jumped into the life journey, which she did not plan for. She was only optimistic about eventual success. She put her heart into it, leaning on the promise of God which never fails. Today, it is not a story of multiple sadness and little joy. The wear and tear, she pointed out, were joy, sorrow, death of a child and surprises.
Power is not served a la carte. That is Asiwaju’s most energising slogan. But, management of power and influence are more important than acquisition. The battle for power is a great struggle; time consuming, energy sapping, very expensive and sometimes dirty. The management of the achievements is more challenging.
Power has added value to the couple’s life, just as it has imposed some burdens and constraints. Such was the anxiety in the dark days of the military when her husband was clamped into detention before he escaped abroad through the NADECO route.
When he later became the governor of Lagos State, the couple had to send the children to boarding school. That adjustment to the requirement of motherhood was dictated by the compelling need to assist in state duties. As First Lady of Lagos State, Oluremi was the cynosure of all eyes, the voice of women and advocate of youth welfare.
But, the glamour of the office did not becloud her sense of judgment. Neither did it alter her sterling qualities as a simple and modest woman. This may also be due to her devotion to spirtual things. For her, the corridor of power is not a convenient avenue for primitive accumulation, but an opportunity to minister to the needs of people.
Thus, Oluremi was not carried away by power, which was alluring. Her addiction to Christian ways of life assisted her in making the right adjustment. Throughout the eight years, she conducted herself with grace, decorum and decency. Her life as the First Lady was devoid of scandal and controversy, and this has endeared her to many people. “I grew and matured,” she recalled, pointing out that being born again assisted her to cope.
Her husband has remained her pride. It even makes other women of substance envy her. Mrs. Tinubu, in her small, but inspiring book, spoke with fondness about Asiwaju Tinubu, saying: “My life with my husband, in reality, is too fast for my pace. My husband has such a great mind, that it takes someone who could sacrifice everything to have. Despite the fact that he is a Muslim, I found in him so many qualities expected of a good Christian-forgiveness, love for people and blessing your enemies”.
Oluremi’s initial preference for a private life, reminiscent of when her husband was in the corporate world at Mobil, was annulled by politics. It is difficult for one to eat his cake and have it. What was required then, was adaptation. She recalled: “With politics and its diverse needs and expectations, one’s life becomes public property. Sometimes, one feels like a morsel of food waiting to be shared by many. I do not mean to sound offensive, but it feels like that tiny piece of meat with so many hands tugging at it. Your life is no longer yours and what belongs to you belongs to all”.
It is an under-statement. When she mounted the rostrum as a senatorial aspirant in Lagos Central, street urchins, popularly called “area boys” swarmed her. Women encircled her. Youths bombarded her. How many requests would she meet? Her entreaties to them that she came out to serve fell on deaf ears. The chorus was: “give us money.”
Oluremi had parted with more valuables in the furtherance of her principle of service. Like her husband, she hates poverty. As a giver, she had put smiles on the faces of many…
Her philanthropic activities do not recognise border barriers. Worried by the plight of people in war-torn Liberia, she built a school for the devastated capital, Moronvia. Her pet project, New Era Foundation, survived her ‘tenure’ as the governor’s wife. Today, the Spelling Bee Competition is waxing stronger. Winners are still accorded the privilege of being “one day governor.” It is a great legacy.
Remarkably, all the money she realised during her 50th birthday were channeled to the non-government organisation to advance the cause of education, social development and wellbeing of youths. The foundation’s Centre along Ibeju-Akodo Road is a masterpiece; a home away from home with recreational facilities for youths on holidays.
When Oluremi finally entered the soap box, other hidden qualities unfolded. She became a researcher, party leader, effective political and public speaker baring her mind on national issues, including electoral reforms, integrity of the ballot box, increased roles for women in democracy, voter registration, women empowerment and social security for the elderly. She is articulate, objective and permanently sincere.
As a senator, she had pursued these goals in the interest of Nigerians. In the hallowed chamber, Tinubu’s wife was not a bench warmer. Having placed her hands on the plough, she never looked back. She served on many committees in the Senate, including Education, Employment and Productivity, and Transportation. Her bill on social security for the elderly passed the third reading. She was also active during oversight functions.
It is lamentable that her bill seeking a special status for Lagos never saw the light of the day. But, the bold effort has raised the bar of consciousness. Reflecting on this, Tayo Ayinde, Lagos State Chief of Staff, said in a congratulatory message that Mrs. Tinubu has offered quality representation to Lagos Central District and done Lagos State proud by raising fundamental issues that are germane to its welfare and progress. “Your legislative contributions have marked you out as a humanist, a core progressive ideologue and defender of public good,” he added.
In Lagos Central District, Mrs. Tinubu always held Town Hall meetings to render her accounts of stewardship. At the Muson Centre, Onikan, and Balux Events Place, Yaba, Etiosa, Apapa and Surulere, he also collated views on aspirations and needs of the district. These shaped her representation of the zone in the Upper Chamber. Her constituency office along Herbert Macauley Way, Yaba, was usually a beehive of activities.
She has never forgotten her pastime; the care for the needy. On the many occasions, she gave scholarship to indigent students and cheques to assist petty traders. These acts were lauded by the Lagos Central APC leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi. The Second Republic House of Representatives member and leader of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) said: “Lagos Central has produced many senators; Oba Musediku Adeniji-Adele, Sikiru Shitta-Bey, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Adekunle Muse. Oluremi is the first senator from Lagos Central to hold a town hall meeting to render accounts of her stewardship.”
During the 2023 campaigns, the First Lady was very active. She was at the forefront of women and youth mobilisation across the country. She has also been playing reconciliation roles critical to conflict resolution in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a congratulatory message, Lagos Stste Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said: “We are proud of her achievements in both private and public offices. Her contributions to the development of both Lagos and Nigeria are commendable. We celebrate Senator Oluremi Tinubu today and always for her kindness, advocacy for social justice, and philanthropic endeavours.”
The three APC senators from Lagos – Dr. Oluranti Adebule (West), Tokunbo Abiru (East) and Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni hailed her contribution to national development and thanked God for her life of diligent service to Nigeria and humanity, unwavering philanthropy and wonderful contribution to the democratic development.
They added: “We are proud to follow in your footsteps as senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because you have left a distinguished legacy at the upper chamber.”
Senator Abiru said: “You have consistently exemplified humility, resilience, and a deep sense of duty. Your unwavering commitment to public service, your leadership in preserving progressive democratic ideals, and your tireless efforts in championing the cause of the vulnerable stand as a lasting testament to your legacy.”
Others hailed her passion for youth and women development, and advocacy of relief and better life for those in need of succour, either as victims of natural disasters and conflicts.
Lagos APC, in a statement by its chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi and Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, described the celebrator as a visionary, patriot, distinguished public servant and strong pillar of support for President Tinubu in his bid to fulfill his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ for Nigeria.
“You have added value, made a lasting impression on the polity and inspired more women in public positions to aspire to excellence,” he said.
