Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has used her decades-long marriage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to emphasize the importance of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country.

Speaking during an interfaith gathering in Abuja that brought together Muslim and Christian women observing Ramadan and Lent, the First Lady reflected on her nearly four decades of marriage and how mutual respect has shaped their relationship despite differences in faith.

According to her, the couple has maintained a calm and respectful relationship throughout their marriage.
“For me, almost 40 years. I cannot remember when both of us raised our voices at each other,” she said while addressing participants at the event.
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Her remarks were delivered during an interfaith Iftar programme at the State House, where she hosted female political leaders, wives of governors, lawmakers and religious representatives.

Beyond the personal reflection, the First Lady used the moment to advocate stronger religious harmony in Nigeria, a country where tensions between religious groups occasionally surface despite a long history of coexistence.

She urged Nigerians to view diversity in faith as a strength rather than a source of division, stressing that peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding remain essential for national stability.

Nigeria is home to one of the largest populations of both Christians and Muslims in Africa, making interfaith relations a key social and political issue. Public figures often highlight examples of religious cooperation as part of broader efforts to promote unity.

The marriage between the President, a Muslim, and the First Lady, a Christian and ordained pastor, has frequently been cited in public discussions about religious tolerance in the country.

As religious communities continue their respective fasting periods, the First Lady encouraged Nigerians to use the season for reflection, compassion and renewed commitment to peace.

The broader message, she suggested, is that unity at the national level often begins with understanding within families and communities.