By, Chidimma Ogidi
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on citizens to support their leaders, stating that many are respected abroad but criticised at home due to “hate-driven narratives and political manipulation”.
Her comments came days after former United States President Donald Trump described her as a “very respected woman” at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. The annual event, attended by US lawmakers, religious leaders and international guests, focuses on faith, leadership and global religious freedom.
Trump praised Mrs Tinubu’s role as Nigeria’s First Lady and as an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
In a Facebook post, Mrs Tinubu said persistent negative narratives have led to hostility and intolerance towards leaders. “Most of our leaders are highly respected and honoured abroad, yet many Nigerians fail to value what they have because of hatred and the narratives planted in their minds by political paymasters,” she wrote.
She warned that online abuse and public ridicule of leaders undermine national unity and progress. “Nigeria is built on love, unity and collective effort towards shared success. Let us come together to support our respected leaders,” she added.
Her remarks come amid international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges. In late 2025, the United States labelled Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged attacks on Christians a designation strongly rejected by the Nigerian government, which stated that the country faces terrorism and criminality affecting all citizens.
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