Trump’s Praise for First Lady Highlights Nigeria’s Global Stature — Oshiomhole

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has commended President Bola Tinubu following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s public praise for First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, calling it a significant diplomatic achievement for the nation.

The senator, a former national chairman of the ruling APC, spoke to journalists on Friday after a New Year visit to President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. He stated that the visit was partly to celebrate Trump’s recognition of the First Lady at an event.

Oshiomhole highlighted that Trump, who is known for his direct manner, referred to Mrs. Tinubu as “a very respectable woman, a very responsible woman, and a pastor of the largest church in Nigeria,” before asking her to stand for acknowledgment.

“I came to greet Mr President and wish him a happy New Year, but also to celebrate what we saw yesterday when the most powerful man in the world acknowledged the First Lady of Nigeria and invited her to stand up,” Oshiomhole said.

He described the moment as a point of national pride, noting the applause it received and suggesting that Nigerians would have reacted with particular joy if the roles were reversed.

The senator further stated that the gesture underscores Nigeria’s religious harmony, demonstrating peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.

“Trump understands that Nigeria’s President is a Muslim, yet he celebrates that he has a Christian wife who is also a pastor. That shows there is no tension between the Quran and the Bible. It is a merit to all Nigerians,” Oshiomhole remarked.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to maintain unity in the face of the country’s challenges, expressing optimism that the nation’s problems are being actively addressed and are surmountable.