President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has opened up about his decades-long marriage to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, declaring that he would choose the same path that brought them together if he had the chance to start life all over again.
Tinubu made the emotional declaration in a personal birthday message to Oluremi as she clocks 66 on Monday.
In the message, the President described his wife as his “truest friend and confidante”, recalling the sacrifices, difficult moments and private conversations that have shaped their life together.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Addressing her affectionately as “Oluremi mi”, the President praised her for standing by him with patience, grace and what he described as “uncommon courage” through different seasons of their lives.
He invoked the Yoruba saying, “Ìyàwó rere ni adé ọkọ rẹ̀” — meaning a good wife is her husband’s crown — and said Oluremi had given the saying real meaning in his life.
Tinubu also revealed that his wife had often been the person he turned to during difficult moments, saying she could understand his concerns even when he struggled to put them into words.
He said there were occasions when Oluremi’s presence alone provided the counsel he needed, while praising her for being bold enough to tell him uncomfortable truths.
“After a demanding day, you wait until we are alone before telling me what I need to hear. I have always cherished you for that honesty,” he said.
The President also celebrated Oluremi’s role in raising their children and grandchildren, saying her prayers, faith and kindness had left a lasting imprint on the family.
Beyond their home, Tinubu highlighted his wife’s humanitarian activities, recalling her work through the New Era Foundation in Lagos and, more recently, the Renewed Hope Initiative.
He said her interventions had touched young people, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers, while also praising her advocacy for people affected by tuberculosis and other diseases.
According to him, Oluremi’s compassion has extended beyond ethnic, regional and religious boundaries.
Reflecting on their long journey together, Tinubu said marriage had taught him the value of having a dependable partner, recalling the difficult decisions they had discussed, sacrifices made privately and moments of laughter and prayer.
“A long journey teaches a man the true value of a good partner. We have travelled a long road together,” he said.
The President thanked his wife for the life they had built together and prayed for many more years of good health and happiness.
“Happy 66th birthday, my darling Oluremi. I pray that God Almighty will grant you many more years in good health and joy,” he said.
“May the years ahead bring you the same comfort and happiness you have so freely given to me and many others.”
The birthday message was issued on Sunday, ahead of the First Lady’s birthday on September 21.
Don’t Miss Out! Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant news updates. Click here to join
