In a world where power and empathy seldom walk hand in hand, Senator Oluremi Tinubu stands as a remarkable exception. Known for her strength of character, unshakeable principles, and lifelong commitment to service, Oluremi Tinubu has earned her place among the pantheon of influential African women. She is not just a political figure—she is a nurturer of communities, an advocate for women and youth, and a steadfast champion of nation-building.
As one of the distinguished figures honored in the Adesuwa Inspirational Women Spring Art Collection 2025, Oluremi Tinubu’s portrait by hyperrealism artist Melody Osagie is more than an artistic tribute—it is a celebration of grace, vision, and purpose-driven leadership.
A Life Rooted in Service
Born on September 21, 1960, Oluremi Tinubu hails from Ogun State, Nigeria. She is the youngest in a family of 12 children and grew up in a Christian household that emphasised humility, education, and the importance of service to others. Her early life was shaped by these values, which would become the foundation of her future endeavors in public life.
She pursued her education with dedication, earning her National Certificate of Education in Botany and Zoology from Adeyemi College of Education and later a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). Furthering her learning, she also obtained postgraduate qualifications in religious studies.
But it wasn’t in the classroom alone that Oluremi Tinubu made her mark—it was in the hearts of the people.
The First Lady of Lagos State: Building from the Ground Up
Oluremi Tinubu first stepped into the public spotlight during her tenure as First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, when her husband, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, served as Governor. Rather than adopting a ceremonial role, she embraced the opportunity to make meaningful change.
During this time, she founded the New Era Foundation, a nonprofit focused on youth development, education, and moral values. Through the Foundation, she initiated numerouscommunity projects, ranging from skills acquisition programs to educational scholarships. Her work went beyond charity—it was about creating structures that would last and empowering individuals to take charge of their futures.
Her initiatives also emphasised leadership training for young girls, placing special importance on nurturing the next generation of female changemakers.
A Trailblazing Senator
In 2011, Oluremi Tinubu took her service to the national level when she was elected to the Nigerian Senate, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District. She served three consecutive terms from 2011 to 2023, during which she built a reputation for being principled, vocal, and
deeply invested in the well-being of her constituents.
As a senator, she was particularly passionate about issues affecting women, youth, and the underprivileged. She sponsored and supported bills on education reform, social protection, and women’s rights. One of her most notable contributions was her involvement in the Social Security Bill, which proposed stipends for unemployed graduates—a forward-thinking attempt at addressing youth unemployment.
Oluremi Tinubu also made a mark through her “Town Hall Meetings,” which she hosted consistently throughout her time in office. These forums allowed constituents to share their concerns directly and ensured transparency in governance—an unusual but commendable practice in Nigeria’s political space.
Faith, Family, and Leadership
Oluremi Tinubu’s leadership style is heavily influenced by her Christian faith. As an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), she sees service as a divine calling, and her political career as an extension of her ministry. Her messages often blend scripture with civic responsibility, inspiring others to lead lives of purpose, service, and accountability.
Despite the pressures of public office and family, she has remained grounded. She is a mother, a wife, and now Nigeria’s First Lady following her husband’s election as President in 2023. But she is not defined solely by her proximity to power. Her individual legacy of service, humility, and compassion stands firmly on its own.
A Portrait of Strength and Grace
In the Adesuwa Inspirational Women Spring Art Collection, artist Melody Osagie captures the essence of Oluremi Tinubu in breathtaking detail. Her portrait radiates a quiet strength, a poised dignity that reflects years of public service and personal sacrifice. The hyperrealistic painting isnot just a reflection of her face, but a mirror of her spirit—resolute, compassionate, and deeply
committed.
Set alongside 22 other portraits of iconic women—ranging from heads of state to artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs—Oluremi Tinubu’s presence in the gallery is a statement about the multifaceted nature of leadership. She represents the woman who builds from the ground up, who listens before she leads, and who uses her platform not for power, but for people.
Beyond Politics: Her Enduring Impact
Long after her time in the Senate, and even beyond her current role as Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu’s influence continues to be felt. Her work with the elderly, her support for widows and orphans, and her advocacy for moral education are enduring contributions that span across class, age, and gender.
She has shown that it is possible to balance tradition with progress, faith with governance, and public service with personal integrity. In a world eager for role models grounded in empathy and ethics, Oluremi Tinubu offers a blueprint worth emulating.
An Inspirational Woman for a New Era
As we view her portrait in the Lambeth Archives, amidst the grandeur of the Adesuwa
Inspirational Women Spring Art Collection, we are reminded that true influence is not measured by the office held, but by the lives touched. Oluremi Tinubu’s journey—from a quiet upbringing to the Senate chamber, and now to national and international recognition—tells the story of a woman who rose not by ambition alone, but by devotion to duty.
Her recognition as an Adesuwa Inspirational Woman is not just about her titles—it is about her impact. It is about her courage to lead with compassion, her willingness to listen, her ability to transform lives at the grassroots level, and her unwavering commitment to building a better future for women, youth, and all Nigerians.
In her story, young girls see possibility. In her portrait, a nation sees pride.
And through this collection, the world bears witness to her legacy.
