Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has voiced genuine surprise and gratitude after receiving public recognition from United States President Donald Trump during her recent visit to Washington, DC.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Senator Tinubu reflected on the unexpected moment, saying: “Who would have thought that President Trump would recognise me? I am getting global recognition on all of this, and that is what life is all about. If something is going to be good, it starts from the rubbles.”
Her comments came shortly after she attended the United States National Prayer Breakfast, an annual interfaith gathering held in Washington, DC. During the high-profile event, President Trump singled her out for praise, describing her as “a highly respected leader of one of Nigeria’s largest churches” and acknowledging her influential role in faith-based leadership and community service.
The National Prayer Breakfast, which has been held annually since 1953, brings together U.S. political leaders, members of Congress, religious figures, business executives, and invited international guests. The event serves as both a moment of spiritual reflection and a platform for diplomatic engagement, often featuring remarks from the sitting U.S. president and symbolic gestures toward distinguished foreign visitors.
Senator Tinubu’s participation in the breakfast formed part of a broader official visit to the United States, during which she engaged with various faith-based organizations, women’s empowerment groups, and Nigerian diaspora communities. Her recognition by President Trump, however, stood out as a particularly notable highlight.
Known for her long-standing involvement in ministry and philanthropy, Senator Tinubu has served as the pastor of the Women’s Fellowship at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and has led numerous initiatives focused on education, health, and women’s development across Nigeria. Her work with the Renewed Hope Initiative, which she chairs, has also emphasized grassroots empowerment, skills acquisition, and support for vulnerable populations.
The First Lady’s remarks to Fox News underscored a sense of humility and reflection. By referencing that “good things often start from the rubbles,” she appeared to draw a parallel between personal or national challenges and eventual breakthrough and recognition—an allusion that resonated with viewers familiar with her journey from her early days as a senator and educator to her current role as Nigeria’s First Lady.
The moment has been widely celebrated on social media in Nigeria, with many citizens and commentators describing it as a proud milestone for the country’s leadership on the global stage. Supporters praised the First Lady’s poise, faith-driven service, and the positive international spotlight it brought to Nigeria.
The National Prayer Breakfast has historically served as a venue for acknowledging moral and spiritual leadership beyond national borders. Past editions have featured tributes to figures from diverse countries, reinforcing the event’s role in fostering interfaith dialogue and goodwill among nations.
President Trump’s acknowledgment of Senator Tinubu adds to a growing list of high-level international engagements she has undertaken since assuming the office of First Lady in 2023. Her focus on faith, family values, and community upliftment continues to shape her public agenda, even as she navigates the diplomatic and representational responsibilities of her position.
As the clip of her Fox News interview circulated widely, many Nigerians expressed pride in seeing their First Lady receive such recognition from one of the world’s most powerful leaders. For Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the moment was both unexpected and deeply meaningful—a reminder, as she put it, that impactful work can rise from humble or difficult beginnings to earn respect across continents.
