United States President Donald Trump on Thursday publicly acknowledged Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during his address at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, commending her role in faith leadership and religious service.
The annual event, which drew members of the United States Congress, religious leaders and international guests, provided a platform for President Trump to speak on faith, leadership and global religious freedom. During his remarks, he recognised the presence of the Nigerian First Lady among the audience.
“We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. A very respected woman,” Trump said. “First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honour. Thank you. A very respected person.”
Senator Tinubu is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest and most influential Pentecostal denominations.
Trump’s remarks come amid heightened international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation, particularly following recent assertions by the US President and some American lawmakers that Christians in Nigeria are subject to widespread violence.
In late 2025, Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged attacks on Christians, a move that was strongly rejected by the Nigerian government.
The Federal Government maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges are driven by terrorism and criminality that affect Nigerians across religious lines, stressing that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion for both Christians and Muslims.
