By Evelyn Osagie
She is stylish. She is smart and undoubtedly a highflier. Happy hearty cheers to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who turns 63 tomorrow. Whether in traditional or English attire, Mrs. Tinubu is an African paragon, and one with a heart of gold, EVELYN OSAGIE writes
History has a myriad of incredible women whose lives are embodiments of inspiration. They not only strive to make their mark, they become, by their very acts, a beacon of hope to generations after them. Nigerian women, from the ancient to modern times, deserve a place in this historic canvas. There are those who have simply become legends, just as there are those whose names evoke a deep sense of industry and service, while some are noted for their fearless commitment to rights advocacy.
Take the inimitable Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (activist, teacher, political campaigner, and founder of the Nigerian Women’s Union); or Margaret Ekpo (Nigeria’s first female political activist); Florence Nwanzuruahu Nkiru Nwapa (the first female writer); General Aderonke Kale (first Nigerian female Army Major-General); and Virginia Etiaba (the first female governor in Nigeria’s history).
Let’s also call to mind Grace Alele Williams (the first female vice-chancellor in Nigeria); Folake Solanke (the first female lawyer and first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); Captain Chinyere Onyenaucheya (Nigeria’s first female pilot ); and Ire Aderinokun (first Nigerian woman to become Google development expert).
Without doubt, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has earned her epaulets, and can be named among this pantheon of great Nigerian women. In her simple and uncomplicated ways, she is a trailblazer.
She is called the Lioness of Bourdillon not only because her husband, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been given the alternate appellation worthy of a man of great power and political influence. Born on September 21, 1960, Mrs. Tinubu (CON, OON) is part of the fair number of women politicians that have been able to distinguish themselves in different areas of national life. Beyond the value she adds to the different public offices she has occupied, she is fashionable and always gorgeously dressed.
We take a look at this political, fashion icon in today’s Woman of Substance.
Her politics
Although some critics believe the office of the first lady is one, which many consider ‘unconstitutional’, in Nigeria, the role was popularised by the late Maryam Babangida through her Family Support Programme (FSP). She is one first lady that has consistently made her mark in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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Mrs. Tinubu has shown over the years that she understands the nuances of such intangible engagements and how far they can go in fostering a sense of community and fellowship, which in turn can catalyse great achievements on both individual and collective levels. From her days as the number one woman in Lagos State (1999 to 2007) when her husband was governor through her years as a senator, to becoming Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Tinubu’s mark in Nigeria’s political scene has been innovative. She shares common traits with the remarkable US First Lady, Hillary Clinton, who went on to become a US Senator and even made history as the first female presidential candidate of Democratic Party in that country.
She is a three-term Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District at the Nigerian National Assembly from 2011 to 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Her impact and influence transcend her performance in lawmaking or the provision of materials or succour to her constituents.
Her style
Articulate and beautiful yet immaculate and simple, the First Lady mostly appears in native attires. Her fashion sense has been described as one reflecting class and glamour. She never fails to capture the hearts. Her simplicity has been attributed to her spirituality. Whether dressed in traditional attires of different colours, she compliments most of her outfits with elegant jewellery and head gear, popularly known as ‘gele’; and a matching smile that adds glimmer to her look and dressing. She is usually decked in stylish gowns and on other occasions, she wears attractive lace wrappers and blouses.
Her advocacies
When it comes to governance, the little things – the emblematic gesture, the show of compassion and commonality, the championing of good causes that lifts morale, goes a long way. Even more impactful is her constant drive for unity of purpose and innovative collaboration among individuals and groups (including non-governmental organisations, intergovernmental bodies and faith-based organisations) working to empower women and advance their rights in society. Her passions on education alongside youth and women empowerment have been linked to her background as an educationist and her spiritual devotion as pastor of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
As the then first lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Tinubu instituted quite a number of welfare packages, especially for women and children that won her the admiration of many Lagosians. Many also fell in love with her passion and compassion for humanity, as expressed, particularly, through her New Era Foundation, which was dedicated to ‘all round development of young ones and promotion of public awareness on environmental health and community service’.
Under the auspices of her pet project, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Tinubu remains a firm believer in investing in human capital, and has continued her passionate commitment towards positively impacting the lives of women and children. She recently donated N500 million to 500 families affected by the recent violent conflicts in Plateau State.
And she has made bold statements to better the lives of Nigerians through RHI, which shows where her heart lies. Hear her: “The mission of RHI is better life for all families; there is no family that will say that they don’t need a better life. A lot of people have been saying different things about the way the fuel subsidy removal affects them but we know those people whose shoes actually pinches.
“These are the people we want to reach out to and see how we can help families. This is the reason why the RHI is focusing on agriculture, education, health, economic empowerment and social investment. When we build lives, we are actually building a nation, because if every life is happy, they will be able to contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation and Nigeria has great prospects.”
And as she marks her 63 years birthday tomorrow, it is hoped that her trailblazing impact will continue to blossom.
