Trump praises Oluremi Tinubu at National Prayer Breakfast

By Kunle Sanni –

US President Donald Trump on Thursday lauded First Lady Oluremi Tinubu during the country’s annual National Prayer Breakfast, commending her leadership, faith, and values.

“We are honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at one of the largest churches in Nigeria, a very respected woman… it’s a great honour. Thank you very much,” Trump said in a video from the event.

The National Prayer Breakfast, held annually in Washington, brings together political leaders and public figures of different faiths to pray and discuss matters of moral and spiritual significance.

Oluremi Tinubu was ordained as a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations, in 2018. Her participation in the event underscores her dual role as a religious and political leader.

Her presence also comes amid heightened US attention on religious persecution in Nigeria. In October 2025, President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” following reports of violence against Christians.

In the weeks that followed, he directed the US Department of State to prepare for “possible action” against terrorist groups in Nigeria, culminating in airstrikes against ISIS operatives in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025.

Since then, the US and Nigerian governments have established a working group to collaborate on counter-terrorism and religious freedom initiatives.

The first lady’s attendance at the prayer breakfast signals a continuing focus on faith-based leadership and international religious cooperation.