My Truest Friend, Confidante —Tinubu Pens Emotional Birthday Tribute To Oluremi at 66

President Bola Tinubu has paid an emotional tribute to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on her 66th birthday, describing her as his “truest friend and confidante” and praising her unwavering support, courage and compassion throughout their decades-long marriage.

In a birthday message posted on his verified X account on Monday, the President reflected on their life together, saying the First Lady had stood by him through seasons of uncertainty, shared his burdens, and remained a trusted source of honest counsel.

“Today, I celebrate the woman who has walked beside me with patience, grace and uncommon courage,” Tinubu wrote.

Quoting a Yoruba proverb, he added: “Àwọn àgbà sọ pé, ‘Ìyàwó rere ni adé ọkọ rẹ̀.’ A good wife is her husband’s crown.”

The President said Oluremi had embodied the biblical description of a virtuous woman, noting that her faith, wisdom and resilience had sustained him through difficult moments in his personal and political journey.

“The burdens that were mine to bear often found their way onto your shoulders. The thoughts I could not put into words somehow found their way to you.

“In difficult times, when the future was uncertain, you stayed calm beside me and prayed with me,” he said.

Tinubu described the First Lady as someone unafraid to tell him the truth, even when it was difficult to hear.

“I call you my truest friend and confidante because you speak the truth plainly, even on the days I would rather not hear it,” the President stated.

He also praised her role within their family, saying her devotion and prayers had shaped the lives of their children and grandchildren.

“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.

The President commended Oluremi Tinubu’s humanitarian efforts over the years, highlighting her work through the New Era Foundation, established during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, and her current Renewed Hope Initiative.

According to him, the First Lady’s interventions have provided hope and support to vulnerable Nigerians, including young people, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers.

“Nigerians know you for your compassion, kindness, generosity of spirit and steadfast faith. I have watched you touch lives quietly and consistently, offering hope and support to those in need,” he said.

“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.”

Tinubu also acknowledged her advocacy for people living with tuberculosis and other health conditions, describing her as “a compassionate advocate and determined champion.”

He added that her compassion transcends ethnic, regional and religious divides.

“For you, compassion has never recognised the boundaries of tribe, region or religion,” he said.

Reflecting on their years together, Tinubu said the sacrifices, difficult decisions, prayers and shared laughter had strengthened their bond.

“A long journey teaches a man the true value of a good partner. We have travelled a long road together. I think of the difficult decisions we talked through for hours and the sacrifices no one else saw.

“Laughter and prayer carried us through many of them,” he said.

The President ended the tribute with a heartfelt declaration of love, saying he would choose Oluremi again if given another chance at life.

“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 prayed for many more years of good health, joy and fulfilment for the First Lady.

“Happy 66th birthday, my darling Oluremi. I pray that God Almighty will grant you many more years in good health and joy.”