United States President Donald Trump has publicly praised Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, DC. Trump described her as a “respected woman” and thanked her for attending the event, which brings together political leaders, faith leaders and invited guests from different countries.
The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event in the United States. It is usually attended by the US President, members of Congress, top government officials, religious leaders and international guests. The gathering focuses on prayer, faith, leadership and discussions on global issues, including peace, freedom and cooperation among nations.
While speaking to the audience on Thursday, Trump paused to recognise the presence of Mrs Tinubu in the hall. He noted her role as Nigeria’s First Lady and also referred to her position in church 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. Thank you very much. Very respected person, too. Thank you,” Trump said as he looked into the audience.
His remarks drew attention from participants and observers, especially Nigerians following events from home and abroad. Mrs Tinubu acknowledged the recognition with a brief response from her seat.
Mrs Tinubu is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria and across Africa. The church was founded by Pastor Enoch Adeboye and has millions of members in Nigeria and in many countries around the world. Her role in the church is well known, alongside her long political career.
Before becoming First Lady in 2023, Remi Tinubu served as a senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District for several years. She has been involved in politics since the early days of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and is known for her work on women’s issues, education and social development. As First Lady, she has continued to support programmes focused on women, children and the vulnerable through her office and personal initiatives.
Trump’s comments came at a time when Nigeria’s security situation has been receiving attention in the United States. In recent months, Trump and some US lawmakers have raised concerns about violence in Nigeria, particularly claims that Christians are being targeted in parts of the country.
At the prayer breakfast, Trump spoke broadly about faith, leadership and the need to protect religious freedom around the world. Although his praise of Mrs Tinubu was brief, it stood out because of the wider discussions and debates about religion and security in Nigeria.
In October 2025, Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged attacks on Christians. This designation is part of a US policy tool used to highlight countries accused of serious violations of religious freedom. The move attracted strong reactions from the Nigerian government and many local leaders.
The Federal Government of Nigeria rejected the designation, describing it as unfair and not based on the full facts. Officials argued that Nigeria’s security problems are not religious in nature but are mainly driven by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities. They stressed that both Christians and Muslims are victims of these attacks, depending on the region.
Nigeria is a multi-religious country, with large populations of Christians and Muslims living across its six geopolitical zones. For decades, communities of different faiths have lived together, often peacefully. However, in recent years, insecurity has worsened in many parts of the country, especially in the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.
Groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have carried out attacks in the North-East, killing civilians, destroying communities and displacing millions. In the North-West and parts of the North-Central region, bandit groups have been responsible for mass kidnappings, killings and the destruction of farms and villages. These attacks have affected people of all religions.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly said it does not support or tolerate violence against any religious group. It has also pointed to constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of religion and the right of every citizen to practise their faith without fear.
Following the US designation and comments by American lawmakers, the issue of Nigeria’s security situation was discussed during a hearing in the US Congress. Nigerian officials and security experts were invited to present their views and explain the complex nature of the crisis.
As a result of these engagements, Nigeria and the United States agreed to deepen cooperation on security matters. This led to the formation of the US-Nigeria Working Group, aimed at improving information sharing, counter-terrorism efforts and broader security collaboration between the two countries.
Observers say Trump’s warm words for Mrs Tinubu at the prayer breakfast may help soften tensions and highlight areas of shared values, such as faith and leadership. The event itself is often seen as a platform for quiet diplomacy, where leaders can connect beyond formal political settings.
For many Nigerians, the recognition of the First Lady at such a high-profile event was a moment of pride. Supporters noted that it showed Nigeria’s presence on the global stage and acknowledged the role of its leaders in international discussions.
As Nigeria continues to engage with the US and other countries, events like the National Prayer Breakfast offer an opportunity to build understanding and trust. Mrs Tinubu’s attendance, and Trump’s public recognition of her, added a personal and symbolic touch to an event shaped by faith, politics and global concerns.