Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, has its first-ever pastor First Lady.
Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, today, 29 May 2023, has her name in history as holding such a title.
She was ordained a pastor in August 2018 by The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and her ordination took place at the Old Arena of the RCCG, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.
The 62-year-old began her political career in 2011 after being elected senator for Lagos Central in the 8th Assembly. But prior to this, she was regarded as the First Lady of Lagos when her husband became governor from 1999 to 2007.
During these periods, 1172 people have benefited from her Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Scheme (YESAS), which has amalgamated with the Good Boys and Girls Empowerment Scheme (GBGES).
Through this programme, 144 young people received training in a variety of skills as well as company start-up kits worth N40,000 each.
Under the Annual Elderly Citizens Assistance Scheme (ECAS), she celebrates 1300 elderly citizens aged 65 and above with cash and material gifts. 7,800 have benefited so far.
Since 1985, Nigeria has seen seven First Ladies. Maryam Babangida, being the first, was the wife of Gen. (rtd.) Ibrahim Babangida who ruled the country from 1985 to 1993. She was a housewife.
The second, Mariam Abacha (1993–1998), was married to Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s military ruler from 1993 to 1998. Her profession cannot be confirmed yet, but she was not a pastor.
After the sudden death of Sani Abacha in 1998, Abdusalami Abubakar took over the reins of power. His wife, Justice Fati Abubakar, a High Court judge, then became the First Lady.
Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999 under the governance of Olusegun Obasanjo, which saw Stella Obasanjo as First Lady.
Turai Yar’Adua, who was married to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Nigeria’s president, was First Lady from 2007 to 2010.
Then came Patience Jonathan, who was married to Goodluck Jonathan, who governed for five years.
The current First Lady is Aisha Buhari who is betrothed to Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s President.
Although the First Lady is not an elected official, she wields enough power just by being affiliated with the President. Due to her pastorship, Nigeria is expecting some changes under the leadership of the Tinubus.
But Mr Bola Tinubu, in his victory speech delivered on Wednesday morning, 1 March 2023 ,suggested that his wife won’t be making a comeback to the senate ,as she’ll be occupied with more wifely responsibilities at home .
“To my lovely wife ,Oluremi Tinubu ,you senators don’t expect her back ,she’s going to be my housewife and First Lady .”
Source: The Independent Ghana