Remi Tinubu CON OON is a Nigerian politician serving as the First Lady of Nigeria since 2023, following the election of her husband, President Bola Tinubu.
She previously held the position of First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 during her husband’s tenure as governor. From 2011 to 2023, she was the senator for Lagos Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian National Assembly. Remi Tinubu is a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) political party.
Early life and Education
Oluremi Tinubu, born on September 21, 1960, is the twelfth of thirteen children in her family. She is from the Ikusebiala family in Ogun State.
Tinubu began her education at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, earning her West African Senior Secondary School Certificate (WASSCE) in 1979. She later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma from The Redeemed Christian Bible College in 2010. Tinubu holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Ife and a National Certificate of Education in Botany and Zoology from Adeyemi College of Education.
Career
Oluremi Tinubu became the First Lady of Lagos State when her husband, Bola Tinubu, was elected governor. During her tenure, she founded the New Era Foundation, aimed at the comprehensive development of youth and promoting public awareness on environmental health and community service.
Her election as senator was initially contested at the Legislative House Election Petition Tribunal, which ultimately upheld her victory in 2012. In the 8th assembly of 2015, Tinubu was one of over 100 senators, among whom only six were women, including Stella Oduah, Uche Ekwunife, Fatimat Raji Rasaki, Rose Okoji Oko, and Binta Garba. She retained her Lagos Central senatorial seat in the 2019 general elections, marking her third term in office.
In 2016, Tinubu sought additional security from the Inspector General of Police after alleging a threat of assault by fellow senator Dino Melaye during a closed-door session. In 2019, she was honored with the Eko Excellence Award alongside other notable figures like Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Tony Elumelu.
Tinubu has advocated for the creation of state police to address rising insecurity and strongly supports human capital investment and youth empowerment. Her Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Scheme, in collaboration with the Good Boys and Girls Empowerment Scheme (GBGES), has benefited 1,172 individuals. Approximately 164 youths received training, startup kits, and a capital of about N40,000 each.
In March 2021, she proposed a bill to reform the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to enhance its viability. Additionally, she was recognized as the most impactful female senator at The Guardian-organized International Women’s Day Summit 2021.
Personal life
Oluremi Tinubu is married to the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, and they have three children: Zainab Abisola Tinubu, Habibat Tinubu, and Olayinka Tinubu. She is also a stepmother to his three children from previous relationships: Olajide Tinubu (deceased), Folashade Tinubu, and Oluwaseyi Tinubu. A devout Christian, she is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), with her ordination taking place in 2018 during the church’s 66th annual convention. Additionally, she serves as the Grand Matron of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).
Net Worth
Undisclosed