Trump hails Nigeria’s First Lady Remi Tinubu at US National Prayer Breakfast
The United States President Donald Trump on Thursday hailed Nigeria’s First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, calling her a respected woman and Christian pastor.
Trump acknowledged the First Lady’s presence in the audience during his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, where he spoke on issues of faith and religious freedom.
Recognizing the presence of Remi Tinubu at the event organized annually and attended by members of the US Congress, religious leaders and international guests, Trump said: “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.”
Senator Remi Tinubu is a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God whose General Overseer is Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
Nigeria has in recent times been on the international spotlight since Trump in October 2025 designated the most populous black nation on earth as a country of particular concern, accusing the Nigerian Government of not taking drastic steps in stemming the alleged genocide against Christian population in the country.
The Nigerian government had however denied the allegation, debunking any systematic persecution of Christians, saying instead that terrorist organizations in the country have been targeting Christians and Muslims alike.
Trump had threatened to place sanctions on Nigeria by stopping all aids and assistance to the country, as well as taking military action, if the government does not move fast in tackling terrorism and protecting Christians.
The disagreement has led to a close working relationship between both countries in terms of security, as the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group was recently formed to implement security agreements and tackle the growing concerns over terrorism, banditry, and targeted attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
The US had carried out airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day 2025, in collaboration with the Nigerian government.
And just recently, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson head of the United States Command for Africa said the US military had dispatched some troops to Nigeria, after both countries reached an agreement that more work needed to be done to tackle terrorist threats in the West African sub-region.
