United States President Donald Trump on Thursday publicly acknowledged the presence of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during his address at the National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, DC.
The annual gathering, which draws US lawmakers, religious leaders and international dignitaries, saw Trump single out Mrs Tinubu from the audience while speaking on faith, leadership and religious freedom.
In his remarks, Trump described the Nigerian First Lady as a respected religious figure, noting her role as a Christian pastor in Nigeria.
“We are honoured to have with us today the First Lady of Nigeria, who also serves as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. A very respected woman,” Trump said as he acknowledged her presence at the event.
Mrs Tinubu is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations with a global following.
The recognition comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly claims by Trump and some members of the US Congress that Christians in the country are being targeted for violence.
In late 2025, the Trump administration designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution, a decision that was strongly criticised by the Nigerian government.
Nigerian authorities rejected the designation, insisting that the nation’s security problems stem from terrorism and criminal activities that affect people of all religious backgrounds. The Federal Government has also maintained that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship for both Christians and Muslims.
