Oluremi Tinubu
Olamilekan Abayomi
US President Donald Trump praised Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, at the 74th National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., describing her as a “very respected woman” and acknowledging her role as a Christian pastor at one of Nigeria’s largest churches. Trump highlighted her faith leadership and presence at the event, saying, “We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. A very respected woman.
The remarks came amid ongoing diplomatic exchanges between the US and Nigeria, particularly regarding security and religious freedom concerns. In late 2025, Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged attacks on Christians, a move that drew criticism from the Nigerian government, which rejected the claims as inaccurate and harmful to national unity.
Mrs. Tinubu is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of Nigeria’s largest and most influential Pentecostal denominations. Her presence at the prayer breakfast is seen as part of Nigeria’s efforts to engage its soft power and counter the narrative of Christian persecution.
The event was attended by members of the US Congress, religious leaders, and international guests, highlighting the significance of the occasion. Trump’s recognition of Remi Tinubu underscores the importance of faith leadership in global diplomacy .
The Nigerian government has maintained that the country’s security challenges are driven by terrorism and criminality affecting citizens of all faiths, and insisted that constitutional guarantees protect religious freedom for Muslims and Christians alike.
This development follows recent security cooperation between the US and Nigeria, including US airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State.
The recognition also comes as Nigeria intensifies high-level diplomatic engagements with the US to counter allegations of genocide and reassure Washington of Abuja’s commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of faith.
The event highlights the complex dynamics of US-Nigeria relations, with both countries navigating issues of security, faith, and diplomacy.
