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 various roles.
Her message was conveyed in a statement issued on Thursday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi.
The First Lady made the remarks while hosting an interfaith Breaking of Fast event that brought together Muslim and Christian women from various sectors across the country.
Speaking at the gathering, Senator Tinubu noted that the simultaneous observance of the Muslim Ramadan fast and the Christian Lent season carries an important message for Nigeria on unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“Today, like I said, is indeed a great day. It is a day that God only made for us to gather together, and for women first from different backgrounds. 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.
The First Lady stressed that despite attempts by some individuals to create divisions along religious lines, Nigerians have historically coexisted peacefully regardless of their faith.
“Recently, we know a lot of things have been going on and people are trying to target towards our religious beliefs… And we Nigerians, we know that most of the time that is not the case. Some of us are married to men of different faiths, and we have lived together among us for many years,” she noted.
Drawing from personal experience, she referenced her nearly four decades of marriage to President Bola Tinubu, noting that mutual respect and understanding have sustained their relationship.
“I can tell you, I cannot remember when both of us raised our voices at each other—maybe not more than twice in the 40 years,” she said, adding that maturity and respect remain key to peaceful coexistence.
Senator Tinubu also urged Nigerians to contribute positively to national development rather than expecting benefits without corresponding responsibilities.
She further encouraged women whose husbands hold public office, as well as those in leadership positions, to recognise their important role in promoting responsible governance.
“Most women in this room either you have your own office or your husband is in public office… you as the wife have a role to play,” she added.
The First Lady also emphasised the importance of mentoring younger generations, stressing that Nigeria’s future depends on the values and guidance passed down to them.
Meanwhile, a Director at the National Open University of Nigeria, Ganiyat Adejoke Adesina-Uthman, delivered a lecture at the event highlighting the need for integrity in public service.
Speaking on the theme “Serving with Excellence, Compassion and Integrity in Public Life,” she warned of what she described as a growing crisis of trust in public office and stressed that integrity must remain a non-negotiable value for those entrusted with leadership responsibilities.