Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has encouraged citizens across the country to move away from what she described as an “entitlement mentality,” emphasizing that Nigerians should instead cultivate a culture rooted in responsibility, honesty, and dedicated service in whatever roles they occupy.
The message was disclosed in an official statement released on Thursday and signed by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi.
During her address at the gathering, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the symbolic significance of the Muslim Ramadan fasting period occurring at the same time as the Christian Lenten season. She noted that this rare overlap carries a deeper national message about unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among people of different religious traditions.
The First Lady explained that the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent offers Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on shared values such as sacrifice, discipline, humility, and spiritual renewal.
“Today is truly a special day. It is a moment that God has created for us to come together, especially women from different backgrounds. When the Ramadan fast began and the Lenten season also started around the same period, it felt as though God was speaking to us collectively as a nation,” she stated.
Mrs. Tinubu also pointed out that although there have been attempts in recent times by certain individuals or groups to exploit religious differences in order to create division, the Nigerian people historically have maintained peaceful relationships regardless of religious affiliation.
She observed that many Nigerian families already demonstrate religious harmony in their everyday lives, with members belonging to different faith traditions while still living peacefully under the same roof.
“Recently, we have seen many situations where some people attempt to focus attention on our religious differences. But as Nigerians, we know that this is not usually the reality. There are many families where spouses belong to different religions, yet they coexist peacefully. Some of us have lived this reality for decades. In my case, it has been almost forty years,” she said.
Reflecting on her own personal experience, the First Lady referenced her nearly four decades of marriage to Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She explained that respect, maturity, and mutual understanding have been central to maintaining harmony throughout their relationship.
According to her, disagreements have been rare, and both partners have consistently approached their marriage with patience and dignity.
“I can honestly say that throughout the years we have been married, I cannot recall more than a couple of times when our voices were raised at each other. That speaks to the level of maturity and respect we have maintained.
“This kind of approach to relationships is what helps people live together peacefully,” she added.
Beyond discussing unity and family values, Senator Tinubu used the opportunity to encourage Nigerians to rethink attitudes that expect benefits without corresponding effort or contribution.
She stressed that national progress depends on individuals who are willing to play active roles in improving their communities rather than waiting for opportunities or advantages without participating in the process.
The First Lady further addressed women whose spouses hold positions in government as well as women who occupy leadership roles themselves. She urged them to understand the influence they possess and to use it positively in supporting responsible governance and national development.
“Many of the women gathered here either hold professional positions themselves or are married to individuals who serve in public offices. In such circumstances, the wives also carry an important responsibility,” she noted.
Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that the actions, attitudes, and values demonstrated by families of public officials can contribute to shaping the culture of leadership within the country.
She also highlighted the importance of mentorship and the responsibility older generations carry in guiding younger Nigerians. According to her, the future of the country will largely depend on the principles and moral standards passed on to emerging generations.
Encouraging participants at the event to take mentorship seriously, she said that nurturing responsible young leaders requires deliberate effort, positive examples, and strong moral guidance.
The gathering also featured a lecture delivered by Professor Ganiyat Adejoke Adesina-Uthman, a Director at the National Open University of Nigeria.
Speaking on the topic “Serving with Excellence, Compassion and Integrity in Public Life,” the academic highlighted the importance of ethical leadership in public institutions.
Professor Adesina-Uthman raised concerns about what she described as a growing crisis of public trust in government offices and institutions. According to her, rebuilding confidence among citizens requires leaders who demonstrate accountability, compassion, and transparency in their duties.
She explained that excellence in public service should not be seen merely as a professional expectation but as a moral obligation for those entrusted with authority.
The scholar also stressed that integrity remains an indispensable principle for anyone serving in a public capacity, noting that ethical leadership forms the foundation for effective governance and sustainable national development.
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