By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said many Nigerian leaders are widely respected and honoured internationally but are frequently criticised, abused and undervalued by citizens at home, attributing the trend to hate-driven narratives and political manipulation.
She stated this on Friday, 6 February, 2026 in a post on her Facebook page, days after United States President Donald Trump publicly described her as a “very respected woman” during the National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, DC, where global political and religious leaders gathered to reflect on faith and leadership.
Responding to the international recognition, Mrs Tinubu lamented what she described as a growing disconnect between the global perception of Nigerian leaders and the treatment they receive domestically.
According to her, sustained negative narratives promoted by political interests have influenced public attitudes and fostered hostility towards 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 said.
She further faulted what she described as a culture of ridicule and online abuse, warning that persistent attacks on leaders weaken national unity and obstruct collective progress.
“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.
Earlier at the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump had singled out the Nigerian First Lady while addressing participants, acknowledging her presence and praising her dual role as First Lady and an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations.
“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,” Trump said. “A very respected woman. First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honour. Very respected person, too.”
Meanwhile, Mrs Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s strength lies in unity, mutual respect and shared responsibility, urging citizens to support their leaders rather than undermine them through hostility and public disparagement.
“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 against the backdrop of renewed international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation, following claims by Trump and some US lawmakers that Christians in the country face widespread violence.
In late 2025, the United States designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged attacks on Christians, a decision the Federal Government strongly rejected.
The government described the designation as inaccurate and harmful to national cohesion, insisting that Nigeria’s security challenges stem from terrorism and criminality affecting citizens across religious and ethnic lines.
