Remi Tinubu also urged Nigerians to abandon what she described as an “entitlement mentality” and focus on contributing positively to society.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance, saying that despite being a Christian married to a Muslim, their nearly four decades together have been devoid of rancour.
She gave the advice recently while hosting an interfaith breaking of fast (Iftar/Lent) for women drawn from different sectors across the country.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said the coincidence of the Muslim Ramadan fast and the Christian Lenten season carries an important message for the nation about unity and peaceful coexistence.
“Today, as I said, is indeed a great day. It is a day that God has made for us to gather together, and for women, especially, from different backgrounds. Since the Ramadan fast was announced and the Lenten season began together, it was as if God was speaking to us as a nation,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu further noted that despite attempts by some to create division along religious lines, Nigerians have historically lived together peacefully regardless of their faiths.
“Recently, we know a lot has been going on and people are trying to target our religious beliefs… And we Nigerians 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 for many years. For me, it has been almost 40 years,” she added.
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She went on to state that mutual respect and understanding have helped sustain her almost 40-year marriage to President Bola Tinubu.
She said, “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, I can tell you that.
“So we’ve been quite mature and respectful about that. And I believe that’s the best way to live together.”
Senator Tinubu also urged Nigerians to abandon what she described as an “entitlement mentality” and focus on contributing positively to society.
She also encouraged women whose husbands hold public office, as well as those occupying leadership positions, to recognise their roles in promoting responsible leadership and national development.
“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.
She further stressed the need for Nigerians to mentor younger generations, noting that the country’s future depends on the guidance and values passed on to them.
