Trump Acknowledges Nigerian First Lady at National Prayer Breakfast

Former US President Donald Trump recognized Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during his address at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. The event gathered members of Congress, religious leaders, and international guests.

In his remarks on faith and religious freedom, Trump highlighted Tinubu’s 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. A very respected woman,” Trump said, asking her to stand and receive acknowledgement from the audience.

The recognition comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security landscape. In late 2025, Trump had designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over allegations of widespread violence against Christians a move strongly contested by the Nigerian government.

Authorities in Abuja have consistently rejected such characterizations, asserting that the nation’s security challenges are driven by terrorism and criminality affecting all citizens, regardless of faith. The government maintains that constitutional protections safeguard freedom of worship for both Muslims and Christians.