Oluremi Tinubu Urges Religious Harmony at Interfaith Women’s Breaking of Fast

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, saying the simultaneous observance of Ramadan by Muslims and the Lenten season by Christians is a message from God for the country.

The First Lady made the remark on Thursday while hosting an interfaith breaking of fast for women from various sectors across the country. The event combined the Muslim Iftar and Christian Lenten observance and focused on promoting harmony and service in public life.

According to her, the coincidence of both fasting periods presents a strong reminder of the need for Nigerians to live together peacefully despite religious differences.

“Since the Ramadan fast was announced and the Lenten season began together, it was like God was speaking to us as a nation,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu urged Nigerians not to allow religion to become a source of division, noting that people of different faiths have coexisted peacefully for decades. She drew from her personal experience of nearly 40 years of interfaith marriage with President Bola Tinubu as an example of how respect and maturity can sustain harmony.

She said mutual respect and understanding are key to addressing insecurity and social division in the country.

The First Lady also challenged women in public and private roles to contribute positively to national development, emphasizing the need to serve with excellence, compassion and integrity.

“Most women in this room either hold public offices or are married to men who do. As wives and leaders, you all have roles to play,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu further urged Nigerians to discard what she described as an “entitlement mentality” and instead focus on mentoring young people, stressing that experienced leaders must pass on knowledge and values to the next generation.

In a lecture at the event, Director at the National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Ganiyat Adejoke Adesina-Uthman, spoke on the topic “Serving with Excellence, Compassion and Integrity in Public Life.” She warned that integrity remains essential in leadership.

“If you are lacking in integrity, then you are clearly fraud. Your name and your character must be the same,” she said, urging public officials to uphold ethical standards.

Also speaking, Bishop Sally William Chinebu of Dominion Church International emphasized that excellence must be combined with compassion, citing the example of Jesus Christ.

She noted that when women rise to serve society with compassion and integrity, they can become a powerful force for national transformation.

The event attracted several prominent women, including former First Lady Patience Jonathan, Wife of the Vice President Hajia Nana Shettima, Wife of former Vice President Hajia Namadi Sambo, Wife of the Senate President Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, and Mrs Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, alongside female members of the National Assembly, judges, ministers and other leaders.