Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to abandon what she described as an “entitlement mentality,” urging citizens to embrace responsibility, integrity, and service in their daily lives.
Her message was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi.
Message Delivered at Interfaith Gathering
According to the statement, the First Lady made the remarks while hosting an interfaith breaking of fast event that brought together Muslim and Christian women from different sectors across the country.
The gathering combined Iftar, observed during Ramadan, and activities marking the Christian Lent.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu said the coincidence of the two religious periods carries an important message about unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
“Today is indeed a great day. Since the Ramadan fast was announced and the Lenten season began together, it was like God was speaking to us as a nation,” she said.
Call for Religious Unity
The First Lady noted that despite attempts by some individuals to create division along religious lines, Nigerians have historically lived together peacefully regardless of their faith.
She referenced her personal experience, highlighting her nearly four decades of marriage to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as an example of mutual respect and understanding.
According to her, maintaining respect within relationships and communities remains key to peaceful coexistence.
Encouraging Responsibility and Leadership
Tinubu also urged Nigerians to focus on contributing positively to society rather than expecting benefits without effort.
She specifically called on women whose husbands hold public office, as well as those in leadership positions themselves, to play active roles in promoting responsible governance and national development.
Integrity in Public Service
At the event, a lecture was delivered by 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,” she warned about what she described as a growing crisis of trust in public office and stressed that integrity remains a non-negotiable value for anyone serving in government.
The First Lady concluded by encouraging Nigerians to mentor younger generations, noting that the country’s future depends largely on the values passed on to them.
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