The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has stated that many Nigerians fail to value their leaders due to hatred and politicians’ narratives.
Tinubu shared her reservations on Facebook days after receiving public acknowledgement from United States President Donald Trump.
Bellnews reports that Trump publicly described the First Lady as a “very respected woman” during the National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, DC.
The annual event, which was attended by members of the US Congress, religious leaders and international guests, saw Trump single out Tinubu while addressing participants on faith, leadership and global religious freedom.
Reacting to the recognition, the First Lady lamented what she described as a growing disconnect between international respect for Nigerian leaders and the treatment they receive from their own people.
In her post, she said, “Most of our leaders are highly respected and honoured abroad, yet many Nigerians fail to value what they have because of hatred and the narratives planted in their minds by political paymasters, which have also hardened their hearts.”
She further criticised what she described as a culture of public ridicule and online abuse directed at Nigerian leaders, warning that such attitudes undermine national unity and collective progress.
“They bully these leaders, speak ill of them, demean them, curse them, and even seize upon their mistakes to drag them across social media, ridiculing and mocking them publicly,” she added.
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s strength lies in unity, mutual respect and collective effort, urging citizens to support their leaders rather than tear them down.
“Nigeria is built on love, unity, and collective effort toward shared success. Let us come together to support our respected leaders and work hand in hand with them to make our country great,” she said.