KEY POINTS

• US President Donald Trump publicly recognised Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at the national prayer breakfast in Washington.

• Tinubu, an ordained pastor of RCCG since 2018, was praised for her leadership in both faith and public service.

• Her attendance coincides with ongoing US-Nigeria cooperation on counter-terrorism and protection of religious freedoms.

US President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, during the national prayer breakfast held in Washington, DC, on Thursday.

Trump described the First Lady as a “very respected woman” and noted her role as a “Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria.” A video of the event captured Trump saying: “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.”

The national prayer breakfast is an annual gathering where individuals across political and faith backgrounds come together to pray.

Oluremi Tinubu has been an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) since 2018. The RCCG is one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations, with a widespread influence both locally and internationally.

Her presence at the US prayer breakfast underscores her dual role as both a political figure and a religious leader, reflecting the intersection of faith and governance in her public life.

Context of US-Nigeria Relations

The event comes amid continued US attention on religious persecution and security issues in Nigeria. In October 2025, President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to reports of violence against Christians.

Barely a month later, the US Department of War was directed to prepare for “possible action” against Islamic terrorist groups in Nigeria. On 25 December 2025, US airstrikes targeted ISIS-affiliated militants in Sokoto State.

Since then, both the US and Nigerian governments have established a working group to coordinate on counter-terrorism efforts and religious freedom protections.

Remi Tinubu’s participation at the prayer breakfast highlights Nigeria on the international stage concerning religious dialogue and intergovernmental cooperation.

Her recognition by President Trump not only affirms her stature within Nigeria but also signals the broader focus of the US on religious freedoms and security collaboration in the region.