The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said that many Nigerian leaders are respected and celebrated internationally but are often abused and undervalued by citizens at home.
Mrs Tinubu made the statement in a Facebook post on Friday, following comments by United States President, Donald Trump, who described her as a “very respected woman” during the National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, DC.
The event was attended by members of the US Congress, religious leaders and international guests from different parts of the world.
While addressing participants, Trump acknowledged the presence of the Nigerian First Lady and praised her role in public service and faith leadership.
“We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria.
“A very respected woman. First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honour. Very respected person, too,” Trump said.
Reacting to the recognition, Mrs Tinubu expressed concern over what she described as the contrast between how Nigerian leaders are treated abroad and how they are perceived at home.
She blamed the situation on what she called hate-driven narratives and political manipulation that have influenced public opinion against leaders.
“Most of our leaders are highly respected and honoured abroad, yet many Nigerians fail to value what they have because of hatred and the narratives planted in their minds by political paymasters, which have also hardened their hearts,” she wrote.
The First Lady also criticised the culture of public ridicule and online attacks against leaders, saying it weakens national unity.
“They bully these leaders, speak ill of them, demean them, curse them, and even seize upon their mistakes to drag them across social media, ridiculing and mocking them publicly,” she added.
She urged Nigerians to embrace unity and support leaders in order to move the country forward.
“Nigeria is built on love, unity, and collective effort toward shared success. Let us come together to support our respected leaders and work hand in hand with them to make our country great,” she said.
Her remarks come amid renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security situation, particularly claims by Trump and some US lawmakers that Christians face widespread violence in the country.
In late 2025, the United States designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged attacks on Christians.
However, the Federal Government rejected the designation, insisting that Nigeria’s security challenges are linked to terrorism and criminal activities affecting citizens across religious and ethnic lines, and not targeted religious persecution.
