Nigeria has always been a country with a diverse culture, history, and politics. With the upcoming inauguration of the new President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, comes the inauguration of a new First Lady. Oluremi Tinubu, often called the “Lioness of Bourdillon”, is a powerful, experienced politician and statesperson in her own right, with her life and career spanning many years of remarkable journey.
Oluremi Tinubu was born on September 21, 1960, to an Itsekiri mother and a Yoruba father. She was the youngest of 12 children and grew up in Ogun state. She holds a B.Sc in Education from the University of Ife. However, it wasn’t until 2011, four years after her last role as first lady of Lagos State, that she became an active politician. She was elected senator for Lagos Central, and since then, she has been a force to be reckoned with.
During her time as the Lagos First Lady from 1999 to 2007, Remi founded the New Era Foundation with the goal of establishing centers for the comprehensive development of children and raising public awareness on environmental health and community service. Her dedication to the community and youth empowerment earned her the tag “Lagos First Lady.”
Senator Remi Tinubu has authored several books, including “The Journey of Grace- My Faith Walk.” She is a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God and has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. Senator Remi is not just a political powerhouse; she is also a loving wife and mother. She has four children with the President-elect, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Oluwasey Tinubu, Abibat Tinubu, and the late Jide Tinubu.
Despite being the wife of a powerful man, Senator Remi has always been her own person. She managed to handle her duties as a senator while being a supportive wife to her husband, Bola Tinubu, during his campaign. Her experience in politics and her ability to manage a multitude of sharp individuals on her own have earned her the respect of her colleagues.
Senator Remi has become the new bride among the political elite, especially the women who have to represent their husbands to shuffle into the good graces of the senator and her husband. Even though she is not the kind to be swayed by temporary loyalty, people still attempt to win her favor. Her husband’s victory in the presidential election has only increased her popularity and influence, making her the subject of much admiration and envy.
As the incoming first lady and the wife of the President-elect, Senator Remi’s role in Nigeria’s political landscape is more critical than ever before. Her passion for women’s rights, youth empowerment, and gender equality make her a strong advocate for change in Nigeria. With her extensive political experience, she can help shape policies that benefit women and children, as well as other marginalized groups.
Despite the excitement surrounding her husband’s election victory, Senator Remi’s political career may not be over. In a victory speech delivered on March 01, 2023, Tinubu insinuated that his wife would not be making a comeback to the senate, as she would be occupied with more wifely responsibilities at home. However, her influence in politics cannot be ignored, and many still believe that she has a role to play in Nigeria’s political future.
Her accomplishments have not gone without facing criticism and opposition from some quarters. Some critics have accused her of being too closely tied to her husband and not having an independent voice. Others have criticized her for not doing enough to address the problems facing her constituents in Lagos Central Senatorial District.
However, Senator Remi Tinubu remains committed to her work and her constituents. She has continued to advocate for women’s rights and education, and she has worked to improve the lives of children in her district. She has also been a vocal critic of the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, calling for more support for health workers and better access to healthcare for all Nigerians.
As the wife of Nigeria’s president-elect, Senator Remi Tinubu is now poised to take on a new role as the First Lady of the country. Her husband’s victory in the presidential election is a testament to the couple’s political power and influence in Nigeria. While her husband has promised to bring change and development to Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu will likely continue to focus on her work as a senator and advocate for women’s rights and education. As the Lioness of Bourdillon and the incoming First Lady of Nigeria, is sure to continue making a difference in the lives of Nigerian women and children.
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Joseph Omoniyi
