Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has said that she finds it difficult to maintain lasting relationships with people who do not know God.
The First Lady made the remark on Thursday evening while hosting an interfaith breaking of fast to mark both Ramadan and the Lenten season at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to her, her faith has guided her relationships and personal life, including her nearly four decades of marriage to President Bola Tinubu, who is a Muslim.
Mrs. Tinubu said that despite their different religious backgrounds, she could not recall a time in almost 40 years of marriage when either of them raised their voices at each other.
The interfaith gathering brought together Christian and Muslim leaders as well as wives of state governors, in a symbolic event reflecting the overlapping observance of Ramadan and Lent.
Speaking to women leaders at the event, the First Lady stressed the importance of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, noting that unity among faiths could help address insecurity and division in the country.
“Today is indeed a great day. It is a day God has made for us to gather together as women from different backgrounds,” she said, noting that the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent felt like a divine message for Nigeria.
Mrs. Tinubu also urged Nigerians to abandon what she described as an “entitlement mentality,” particularly among Christians.
“We as Christians sometimes have a form of entitlement. Because we have Christ, we feel our grace is sufficient, but you cannot live without the fear of God. The Bible says the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom,” she said.
The First Lady further called on women to play a more active role in mentoring young people and shaping the next generation with strong values.
“We all have a lot of work to do, especially for the young people. You have to mentor them. The old school is still modern, and we have the real intelligence to pass on to the next generation,” she added.
She encouraged women leaders to serve with “excellence, compassion and integrity,” while promoting unity across religious and social divides.
Credit: Vanguard
