Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday urged citizens to embrace unity, service, and a shared national vision as she accepted an award at the 2025 Leadership Annual Conference and Awards held in Abuja.
In her remarks, which blended appreciation with a passionate call for solidarity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that the country’s advancement rests on its ability to remain cohesive despite political, ethnic, and religious differences, particularly at a time of mounting local and global pressures.
She emphasised that sustainable national development can only be achieved when Nigerians choose collaboration over division. According to her, a nation fractured along cultural or religious lines cannot thrive, underscoring the need for collective responsibility in building a stronger country.
The First Lady, who had earlier been named an award recipient by the Leadership Newspaper board at the start of the year, described the honour as a collective accomplishment rather than an individual feat.
Addressing an audience that included former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Amina Mohammed, state governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and senior public officials, Mrs. Tinubu said the recognition belonged to everyone who had supported her journey.
She particularly acknowledged women, youths, and grassroots leaders across the country who, she noted, work diligently every day to improve lives and inspire hope within their communities.
Mrs. Tinubu also applauded the Chairman of Leadership Newspaper, Mrs. Zainab Nda-Isaiah, for preserving and advancing the vision of the publication’s late founder, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah. She remarked that the late media entrepreneur would be proud to see the organisation continuing to uphold its founding ideals. She commended the newspaper for its dedication to responsible journalism that educates the public, motivates citizens, and reinforces democratic values.
The First Lady further recognised the attendance of governors from Imo, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Yobe, and Zamfara states, alongside other high-ranking federal officials and traditional leaders.
She offered special commendation to Dr. Amina Mohammed, describing the UN Deputy Secretary-General’s keynote speech as both relevant and thought-provoking. Mrs. Tinubu said the address provided clear and practical insights into the critical decisions facing the nation and praised Dr. Mohammed’s enduring contributions to Africa’s growth and development.
Reflecting on the event, the First Lady said being present at the ceremony was personally meaningful, as it created an opportunity to celebrate distinguished individuals while beginning the year on a note of gratitude.
She ultimately dedicated the award to Nigerians who continue to uphold values of compassion, generosity, and service to others. Calling on citizens to unite in pursuit of shared aspirations, she urged them to work together in shaping a nation grounded in empathy and collective progress.