United States President Donald Trump has described Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, as a “very respected woman,” drawing attention to her presence at a high-profile religious gathering in Washington, DC.
Trump made the remarks on Thursday while speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast, an annual event that brings together senior government officials, religious leaders, and invited guests from around the world. The breakfast is traditionally used as a platform to reflect on faith, leadership, and global issues affecting religious freedom.
As he addressed the audience, Trump paused to acknowledge Mrs Tinubu, who was seated among international guests. He publicly expressed his appreciation for her attendance, describing it as an honour to have her at the event.
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“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,” Trump said, scanning the hall as attendees applauded.
Trump also referred to Mrs Tinubu’s religious background, describing her as a pastor in Nigeria’s largest church. Mrs Tinubu is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the most influential Pentecostal denominations in Nigeria, with millions of members across the country and a presence in several nations worldwide.
Her attendance at the prayer breakfast comes at a time of heightened international focus on Nigeria’s security and religious landscape. In recent months, Trump and some members of the United States Congress have raised concerns over violence affecting Christian communities in parts of Nigeria.
In late 2025, Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing alleged widespread attacks on Christians. The designation attracted global attention and sparked diplomatic debate, particularly over how Nigeria’s complex security challenges are portrayed internationally.
The Nigerian government strongly rejected the claims, arguing that they oversimplify the country’s problems and risk deepening divisions. According to the Federal Government of Nigeria, insecurity in the country is largely driven by terrorism, banditry, and organised criminal activity that affects citizens regardless of religious affiliation.
Officials have repeatedly insisted that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that both Christians and Muslims are victims of the same violent threats. The government has also warned that framing the crisis strictly along religious lines could undermine national unity and fuel further tension.
Political analysts say Trump’s public praise of Mrs Tinubu carries symbolic weight, given the wider debate surrounding Nigeria’s religious and security issues. They note that acknowledging the First Lady’s role as both a political figure and a religious leader reflects the close intersection of faith and politics in Nigeria.
For Mrs Tinubu, the moment marked a rare personal spotlight on the international stage, reinforcing her profile beyond Nigeria’s borders. As global scrutiny of Nigeria continues, observers believe such appearances could play a role in shaping foreign perceptions of the country’s leadership and its approach to sensitive issues of faith, security, and coexistence.
