It was meant to be a cheerful Christmas brunch for children at the State House. But by the time First Lady Oluremi Tinubu finished speaking with reporters, the mood had shifted to a candid defence of her husband, President Bola Tinubu, and a passionate appeal for a gentler national conversation.
Speaking at the end of the 2025 Christmas Children’s Brunch, the First Lady urged Nigerians to “cut Mr President some slack”, insisting that he works round the clock and remains fully committed to securing every corner of the country.
“We work seven days a week in here,” she said. “You think I do not want a safe society? I do. Every child that leaves this place should feel safe. That is what we are working for.”
Her remarks came amid mixed emotions nationwide. Nigerian children have recorded remarkable global academic triumphs this year, yet the nation has also endured distressing mass abductions. Mrs Tinubu argued that the Federal Government has responded swiftly, describing the recent rescue of abducted pupils in Niger State as “the quickest rescue we have ever seen in the history of this nation”.
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She urged Nigerians to appreciate the sheer scale of the challenge, noting that Nigeria’s population is comparable to that of the United States. “It is not an easy country to govern,” she said, “but the President is doing the needful.”
A Call for a Year of Giving
While defending the administration, Mrs Tinubu also used the Christmas gathering to push for a renewed national ethic of generosity in 2026. She urged Nigerians not to measure their lives by the wealth of others but to remember their beginnings and extend help to those who have less.
“Next year should be a year Nigerians reach out to others,” she said. “Most people, when they are blessed, want to stay at that level and only associate with people there. But not me. I always try to hold on to my foundation. When you begin to fly high, you can fall like Humpty Dumpty if you forget who you are.”
She added that she often gives until she has “zero,” not because she possesses excess, but because she believes in sharing the favour God has given her.
“You have been eating before you got to this position. You have been wearing clothes before you got to this position. Own what you have. Be proud of who you are. Then you will be able to share.”
An Event for the Children Who Rarely Get Invited
Mrs Tinubu emphasised that the Christmas brunch was specially designed for children from modest backgrounds, not the families of ministers or top officials. The aim, she said, was to plant memories that could shape future leaders.
“When I was First Lady before, I never invited ministers children. They have food to eat. This is for the people,” she noted. “We bring in children so that one day, if they become leaders, the picture is already planted in their minds.”
The event also became a moment of inspiration. Many children, she said, expressed desire to join the armed forces after seeing soldiers at work during the festivities.
“They are ready for you,” she joked, referring to the nation’s enemies. “Before you get me, I am going to get you. That is what they are saying.”
Reimagining Christmas the Nigerian Way
Part of the afternoon included a reading session from her book, The Christmas Story, a creative retelling of the birth of Jesus with Nigerian characters at its centre.
“I wanted a Christmas story where the heroes are blacks, where children could see themselves in the story,” she said. “We own this story with our rich culture and tradition.”
In her view, pride in identity is the foundation of confidence. “It is my culture that gives me self esteem. I know who I am and whose I am.”
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As the children laughed, danced, ate and dreamed aloud, the First Lady watched with pride. In their enthusiasm, she said, she sees hope for a safer and more united Nigeria.
“It is a good day. We should celebrate.”
