Life in Aso Rock can be lonely, says Oluremi Tinubu
By Jeffrey Agbo
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has revealed that life inside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa can be “quite secluded,” a reality that inspired her to focus on philanthropy and ministry work with young women.
She made the disclosure in her 52-page memoir, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, published to mark her 65th birthday.
In the book, which spans 2021 to 2025, Mrs. Tinubu reflects on her spiritual journey alongside her husband’s path to the presidency.
“Life at the (Resident) Presidential Villa can be quite secluded. So getting busy when I do not have much to do, Daughters of Zelophehad Ministries came quite handy,” she wrote.
The First Lady explained that the ministry provided an outlet for her to connect with young women through podcasts and mentorship. “Sometimes, I record episodes ahead, and some friends of like minds join some of our recordings,” she added.
She said the initiative fulfilled a promise she made to God before her husband became President: “Scriptural things are not political, there should always be a straight line differentiating both sides.”
Her podcast series, The Conversation, was designed to be brief and simple because, according to her, “our young people get distracted easily.”
Beyond her ministry, Mrs. Tinubu recounted her role in establishing the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which she chairs. She explained that the platform was funded from leftover campaign resources and donations, and was structured to reach Nigerians at the grassroots through partnerships with state First Ladies, local government spouses, traditional rulers, and community leaders.
By July 2023, the initiative rolled out programmes ranging from elderly support and scholarships to women’s empowerment and aid for persons with disabilities. RHI also collaborated with wives of service chiefs and families of fallen soldiers, offering grants and seasonal relief.
As Grand Patron of the National Council of Women’s Societies, she noted that the group was included in all interventions.
The First Lady also highlighted her continental engagements, including joining the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development during the UN General Assembly in 2023, where she met her counterparts, including U.S. First Lady Jill Biden.
Reflecting on her outreach, she wrote: “It was a great platform because I saw the hunger in these young women.”
