President Bola Tinubu on Sunday celebrated his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she turned 65, describing her as his confidant, counsellor, and steady anchor through decades of political and personal trials.

In a tribute released at midnight on Sunday, Tinubu poured encomiums on the First Lady not just as his spouse but as a lifelong partner whose sacrifices have quietly shaped their family and the nation.

He wrote, “As you celebrate your 65th birthday today, I honour not only the love of my life, but also a woman whose quiet strength and enduring grace have been my steadying anchor.

“Through every season, from the long years of struggle and political exile, to leadership responsibilities, you have stood firmly by my side with dignity, patience, and devotion that words can scarcely express.”

Reflecting on her influence beyond the home, Tinubu hailed his wife as a role model for their children and grandchildren, and as a symbol of resilience for Nigerian women.

“You are more than my wife. You are my confidant, counsellor, and the steady flame illuminating my path.

“In you, our children and grandchildren see the example of compassion and faith, and in you, our nation sees the true strength of womanhood; resolute yet tender, humble yet unshakably firm,” he noted.

The President also acknowledged the sacrifices she made during the years of political struggle, saying they amounted to a form of national service.

He continued, “Nigeria owes you more than many will ever know. In every sacrifice you made quietly, in every burden you carried without complaint, you have served this country as surely as I have, not from the podium, but from the heart of our home.”

Expressing gratitude in his dual capacity as husband and President, Tinubu concluded: “Today, as your husband, I thank God for your life, health, and unwavering love.

“As your President, I salute you as the First Lady whose warmth and empathy continue to touch millions of lives across our land.

“And as your lifelong companion, I say that I love you more than ever, and am blessed every day by your presence. Your love is a treasure I hold dear.”

He wished her many more years of peace, joy, and fulfilment, saying: “Happy 65th birthday, Oluremi. May the years ahead be filled with joy, peace, and the fulfilment you so richly deserve.”

Earlier, the First Lady said she will dedicate her upcoming 65th birthday to raising funds for the completion of the country’s long-delayed National Library.
She urged well-wishers to donate to the fund instead of sending her gifts and paying for newspapers advertisements to mark the days

In a statement she signed Thursday, September 18, Tinubu said she would spend Sunday “dedicated to God for all His blessings in my life and having a quiet birthday,” and appealed for contributions to an account tagged the “Oluremi@65 Education Fund,” coordinated by the Ministry of Education.

“I wish to appeal to those who would like to send a birthday card, cakes, flowers, greetings in the newspapers or gifts should please send the funds to the designated account for a special project close to my heart… The completion of the National Library,” she said.

“This will be the best birthday present I would ever receive. My love for education has informed my decision to dedicate my birthday to this worthy cause,” Mrs Tinubu added.

The National Library headquarters project in Abuja has been under construction since 2006, when it was awarded for N8.59bn and expected to be finished in under two years.

However, costs ballooned and progress slowed. By 2023 the physical completion rate stood at about 44 per cent with estimates ranging from N49.6bn to more than N120bn required to finish the 12-storey complex.

The site, located between the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, has long been considered a symbol of a stalled infrastructure project.

Successive administrations have pledged to deliver the project, and in 2025 the Federal Government directed the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to take over funding and resume construction.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa said in April that work would restart by June 1, following site assessments.

The Nigerian Library Association renewed its call in September 2025 for urgent completion, arguing that the facility is critical to education, research and cultural preservation.

Mrs Tinubu, a former senator and First Lady of Lagos state has often tied her advocacy to education, women’s empowerment and youth development.