Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, is a distinguished Nigerian politician, philanthropist, and the First Lady of Nigeria. Since assuming this role in 2023 as the wife of President Bola Tinubu, she has continued to leverage her extensive political experience and passion for social development to drive impactful initiatives. Her influence extends beyond national borders, marked by over a decade of public service in the Nigerian National Assembly, where she represented Lagos Central Senatorial District from 2011 to 2023. A key member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), she has been instrumental in shaping policy, championing women’s empowerment, and advocating for youth development.
Born on September 21, 1960, into the Ikusebiala family of Ogun State as the 12th of 13 children, Senator Tinubu’s journey to leadership was built on a strong foundation of education and service. She obtained her West African Senior Secondary School Certificate from Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode, in 1979, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Ife. Additionally, she earned a National Certificate of Education in Botany and Zoology from the Adeyemi College of Education and later pursued a Postgraduate Diploma from the Redeemed Christian Bible College in 2010, reflecting her commitment to faith-based leadership.
Her political career began as the First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, during which she established the New Era Foundation, an organization dedicated to youth development, environmental health awareness, and community service. Through this foundation, she has continued to impact countless lives by fostering initiatives that equip young people with the skills and opportunities necessary for success.
As a Senator, she was a formidable voice in the Nigerian legislature, actively participating in the 8th Assembly as one of six female senators elected in 2015. She spearheaded critical legislative reforms, including advocating for state police reforms to address national security concerns, promoting youth skill acquisition programs, and leading the NIPOST reform bill in 2021 to modernize the Nigerian Postal Service. Her Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Scheme (YESAS), in partnership with the Good Boys and Girls Empowerment Scheme (GBGES), has empowered over 1,172 young Nigerians, providing vocational training, startup kits, and financial support to foster entrepreneurship.
Senator Tinubu’s outstanding contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including:
- Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
- Ghana Noble International Award for Leadership (2004)
- Gambian Diamond Award for Immense Contribution to the Emancipation of People from Poverty (2005)
- Most Impactful Female Senator Award at the Guardian International Women’s Day Summit 2021
- Recognition at the Eko Excellence Awards 2019, alongside Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Tony Elumelu
Driven by a passion for social justice, education, and community service, Senator Oluremi Tinubu remains committed to fostering human capital development and improving the lives of Nigerians. Her visionary leadership and enduring impact continue to inspire hope, transformation, and sustainable development, making her a true symbol of empowerment and change in Africa.
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