Tag: First Lady

• …calls for renewed investment in children, women and the vulnerable

• …expresses confidence in Nigeria’s promise and collective future

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerians to embrace peace, empathy and unity as guiding values for the New Year, calling on citizens to consciously invest in the wellbeing of children, women and the most vulnerable in society.

In her New Year message to the nation, themed “2026: Hope on the Horizon,” the First Lady admonished Nigerians to make deliberate choices that foster harmony and shared responsibility, stressing that national progress depends on collective compassion and inclusiveness.

“As we embrace this New Year, let us choose peace, empathy, unity and continue to invest in the wellbeing of our children, women and the vulnerable among us,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu also encouraged Nigerians to take ownership of development within their immediate environments, urging them to create opportunities that allow every citizen to live and thrive with dignity. 

“Let us create opportunities in our individual space that allows every Nigerian to thrive with dignity,” the First Lady added.

Reflecting on the outgoing year, she expressed gratitude to God for ushering the nation into a new chapter filled with hope, assurance and renewed faith in Nigeria’s future. 

According to her, the past year once again highlighted the resilience and enduring spirit of Nigerians across all walks of life.

“My heart is filled with gratitude to God Almighty as we witness this New Year, with joy, great hope, and an assurance of God’s promises for our great nation,” she said, noting that the courage, creativity and strength of Nigerians continue to inspire confidence in a better tomorrow.

She paid tribute to women, men and young people across the country who, she said, work tirelessly every day to uplift their families, communities and the nation, describing their sacrifices as the true foundation of national progress.

Reaffirming her optimism about Nigeria’s prospects, the First Lady called on citizens to believe in the country and actively invest in its potential. 

“I believe in Nigeria and we should all invest in what she can become,” she said.

She expressed goodwill to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, wishing the nation a peaceful and prosperous New Year. 

“Happy New Year, Nigeria. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she said.

…says President working tirelessly to keep country safe

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace a renewed spirit of generosity in 2026 by sharing more of their God-given blessings with the less privileged, stressing that giving is a moral duty and an expression of gratitude.

She made the call on Thursday while speaking to journalists at the end of her 2025 Children’s Christmas Brunch held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

The event, the third in the editions, was organized for children from foster homes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Mrs Tinubu said she intends to expand her message of generosity in her upcoming podcast, noting that many Nigerians refrain from giving because they measure their lives by the standards of the wealthy rather than remembering their own humble beginnings.

“Next year should be a year Nigerians reach out to others, especially those who are less privileged. Most people, when they are blessed, want to remain at that level of blessing and only associate with people there. But not me. I always try to hold on to my foundation… When you begin to fly high, you can fall like Humpty Dumpty if you forget who you are,” she said.

The First Lady explained that she often gives until she has “zero,” not out of abundance but from a desire to share the favour God has bestowed on her.

She urged Nigerians to take pride in what they have and to view giving as an extension of gratitude.

“You’ve been eating before you got to this position. You’ve been wearing clothes before you got to this position. Own what you have; be proud of who you are; and then you will be able to share the favour God has given you,” she added.

She explained that the event is deliberately structured for children from modest backgrounds, not the children of ministers or top government officials.

“When I was First Lady before, I never invited ministers’ children; they have food to eat. This is for the people. We bring in children so that one day, if they become leaders, the picture is already planted in their minds,” she said.

She said the event also serves as cultural exposure for children, introducing them to new experiences and helping shape their aspirations.

“Some said they want to be soldiers, they see what is going on and are already planning how to help protect society in the future,” she noted.

Responding to questions about the mixed experiences of Nigerian children this year, global academic and other achievements on one hand and mass abductions on the other, the First Lady insisted that the administration has acted swiftly and responsibly, particularly in the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren.

“Mr President has done the needful. They’ve gone after them. This is the quickest rescue we have ever gotten in the history of this nation,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu urged Nigerians to appreciate the scale of Nigeria’s challenges, noting that the country’s population, estimated at over 250 million, is comparable to that of the United States.

“Cut Mr President some slack. We work seven days a week here. You think I don’t want a safe society? I do. Every child who leaves this place should feel safe. That is what we are working for,” she appealed.

Describing the brunch as “a really good day,” the First Lady said the children’s joy reflected the hope that still exists in the country.

She added that their aspirations, including those who declared interest in joining the armed forces, show that the next generation is already thinking about how to confront security threats.

“They are ready for you. Before you get me, I’m going to get you—that’s what they are saying. It’s a good day. We should celebrate,” she quipped.

The First Lady engaged the children in a reading session from her book, The Christmas Story, which creatively reimagines the story of Jesus’ birth, featuring Nigerian characters.

“I wanted to create a Christmas story where the heroes are black, where children could see themselves in the story. We own this story with our rich culture and tradition,” she explained.

The First Lady stressed the importance of instilling pride in heritage and identity in the young ones, saying, “It is my culture that really gives me good self-esteem. I know who I am and who I am.”

Each child introduced their ambitions, ranging from doctors and engineers to pastors, bakers, soldiers, lawyers, and even the president.

The celebration included a feast of jollof rice, fried rice, Chinese noodles, sweet treats, and gifts from the First Lady, alongside appearances by Santa Claus.