First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has described the United States’ intervention in Nigeria’s insecurity challenges as a ‘blessing’.
She made the remarks during an interview with Fox News in Washington, D.C., where she reflected on the heightened global scrutiny Nigeria has faced in recent months.
“It (US intervention) was quite a blessing. Who would have thought that President Trump would recognise me? Even to say the least, it was unexpected,” she said.
Oluremi linked the recognition to the idea that positive outcomes can emerge from difficult circumstances, noting that the focus on Nigeria has opened doors for dialogue and reform.
“If something is going to be good, it will come from the rubbles. And it starts like that. Then we have the attention, the conversations, and we expect there will be more. It’s going to yield better fruit for us, both for Nigeria and for America,” she said.
She also responded to concerns raised by some US lawmakers over allegations of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, maintaining that the federal government is actively addressing insecurity and engaging international partners to clarify realities on the ground.
Highlighting actions taken by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Oluremi pointed to the recruitment of additional police and military personnel, the arming of forest guards to secure areas used as militant hideouts, and the redeployment of security forces to flashpoints such as Plateau, Benue, and Taraba states.
“Our country encourages freedom of religion, which is entrenched in our constitution. We are focused on protecting our people while also creating conditions for economic growth,” she added.
On January 5, during the US National Prayer Breakfast, former President Donald Trump publicly recognised Oluremi, describing her as a “very respected woman” and a “Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria”.
The recognition came months after US troops bombed terrorist camps in Sokoto following allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
A CNN report also said Trump placed Nigeria on a watchlist after watching a Fox News segment on the persecution of Christians in the country.
Amid the increased global scrutiny, the federal government reportedly hired a US lobbying firm, paying $9 million to communicate its efforts toward protecting Christians in Nigeria.