Dare Babalola
United States President Donald Trump has publicly recognised Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, February 5 at Washington, D.C.
Trump publicly acknowledged Senator Tinubu, describing her as a “very respected woman” during the 74th Annual National Prayer Breakfast held on Capitol Hill.
Trump drew attention to Mrs. Tinubu in the audience, highlighting her role as a Christian pastor in one of the largest churches in Nigeria.
“We are honoured to be joined by the First Lady of Nigeria (Remi Tinubu), who also happens to be a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria, very respected woman, it’s a great honour. Thank you very much,” Trump said.
The national prayer breakfast is an annual event where people of different political beliefs come together to pray.
Oluremi was ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations, in 2018.
Her presence at the event comes amid the stance of the US government on killings and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
In October 2025, Trump redesignated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ in response to allegations of a Christian genocide in the country.
Barely a month later, Trump asked the United States department of war to prepare for “possible action” to wipe out Islamic terrorists in Nigeria.
On December 25, 2025, the US government launched a fusillade of air strikes on ISIS terrorists in the north-western Nigerian state of Sokoto.
Subsequently, the US and Nigerian governments formed a working group to address issues on counter-terrorism and religious freedom in Nigeria.
