Before he became President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a young, determined man with dreams bigger than himself. Somewhere in the middle of that journey, he met Oluremi, a graceful, soft-spoken woman whose calm strength would one day become the quiet pillar behind one of Nigeria’s most powerful figures.
They were introduced through her elder sister in the mid-1980s. Remi would later recall that what first caught her attention wasn’t his title or ambition — it was the kindness in his eyes.
The love story of Bola and Remi Tinubu is one of enduring partnership, bridging faiths (he Muslim, she Christian/Pastor), built on mutual support through political struggles, exile, and family life, where Remi's calm strength, kindness, and resilience became a cornerstone, inspiring him and weathering storms, showcasing a bond rooted in respect, shared values, and faith,
In 1987, they sealed their union. Over the years, their marriage would become a story of enduring love, mutual respect, and shared purpose.
This phenomenal couple never allowed their differences in choice of religion come between them. Not even for a moment did this factor ever threaten their marriage. Remi, a devoted Christian and ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and Bola, a devout Muslim, built their home on understanding rather than division. Their love became a quiet symbol of religious tolerance — a marriage that bridges faiths while nurturing family and service.
Together, they raised three children — Zainab, Habibat, and Olayinka — and watched them grow into adulthood under the same values of humility, discipline, and integrity that shaped their parents.
Through thick and thin, their marriage has weathered the storms of politics, power, and public life — yet Remi has always stood firmly by her husband. Behind the scenes, she’s his confidante, counsellor, and calm in every storm.
During the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s, Tinubu faced exile, and Remi stood by him, managing the home front and raising their children. The trauma of exile led to amnesia for Remi, but she turned to faith, becoming an ordained pastor. Those very difficult days remain perhaps the darkest moments of their union as a couple. It very nearly drained the soul of their marriage.
Little wonder the President often speaks of her as his "Rock of Gibraltar" and "partner in every venture," acknowledging her unwavering support. At other times, her husband has often described her as “the strongest woman I know — patient, prayerful, and principled.”
And on her 63rd birthday in 2023, he penned a heartfelt note reflecting on “36 amazing years of love, laughter, and partnership,” thanking her for walking every step of the journey by his side.
Today, as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu continues to stand firmly by her husband, the President, helping him to steadily steer the affairs of the country, guiding him and contributing in her own little way to ensuring his administration meets the expectations of the people. Her calmness under pressure and long years of experience as a Senator of the federal republic would all come handy for her in her capacity as first lady of the nation. And of course, she has been able to realise her lifelong passion to empower women nation wide, support the youth and the vulnerable — while President Tinubu leads from the nation’s highest office,.
Through decades of love and leadership, theirs remains a story of two people who found strength in each other — and built a legacy of service and compassion together.
Not so long ago, the First Lady shared a rare personal story about how she met her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In the video, during a candid interview, she recalled her father’s concern over religion and the promise Tinubu made to him. She explained that when she first met him, she did not realise that his religion would be considered significant.
She said: “Back to my marriage, when I met my husband I did not even know that his religion was a big deal. My family was Anglican. At the time, a lot of Christians married Muslim. Back then, when you see a man you can marry, you go for it without considering his religion.”
Remi Tinubu revealed that it was her sister who introduced her to Bola Tinubu. She described the meeting as a turning point in her life, noting that her father’s reaction highlighted the importance of religion in marriage. She recalled: “But with my husband it was quite different, it was my sister that introduced me to Tinubu.
One of the things that was really profound for me was when we both went home to see my dad. My dad asked if he was a Muslim. It was the first time I would know that such thing was a big deal.”
The first lady further explained that her father had expressed concern about whether her husband’s faith would affect her ability to practise Christianity.
According to her, Bola Tinubu reassured her father by making a clear promise.
She said: “My father also asked ‘I hope you will not stop my daughter from going to church.' And Tinubu made a promise to my father that will allow me practice my religion.” Remi Tinubu's revelation has drawn attention not only to her personal journey but also to broader conversations about interfaith marriages in Nigeria amid recent religious tension. But, more than anything else, with unending dedication and immense sacrifice, Remi Tinubu has been able to build an enviable marriage, one that has continued to stand the test of time. She has continued to stand firmly by her husband, like the rock that President calls her.
WALE LAWAL (08037209290)
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