US Intervention In Nigeria A Blessing, Says Oluremi Tinubu

First Lady Remi Tinubu has described the United States’ recent intervention and scrutiny in Nigeria as a “blessing,” saying they have helped draw global attention to the country’s security challenges and ongoing reforms.

In an interview with Fox News in Washington, D.C., the President’s wife reflected on the heightened international focus on Nigeria, including criticisms over insecurity, allegations of attacks on Christians and US military actions targeting militant groups.

According to her, the attention, though intense, has created room for dialogue and engagement with international partners.

“It was quite a blessing. Who would have thought that President Trump would recognise me? Even to say the least, it was unexpected,” she said, linking the moment to broader conversations now taking place about Nigeria’s security situation and reform efforts.

Senator Tinubu said difficult moments often precede positive outcomes, stressing that increased global attention could ultimately benefit both Nigeria and the United States.

“If something is going to be good, it will come from the rubble. And it starts like that. Then we have the attention, the conversations, and we expect there will be more. It’s going to yield better fruit for us, both for Nigeria and for America,” she added.

Mrs Tinubu also addressed criticisms from some US lawmakers who have raised concerns about an alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria.

She insisted that the federal government is actively confronting insecurity and engaging international partners to clarify the realities on the ground.

The First Lady highlighted measures taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including the recruitment of additional police and military personnel, the arming of forest guards to secure remote areas where militants operate, and the redeployment of security forces to flashpoints such as Plateau, Benue and Taraba States.

“Our country encourages freedom of religion, which is entrenched in our constitution. We are focused on protecting our people while also creating conditions for economic growth,” she said.

Her comments came weeks after former US President Donald Trump publicly recognised her at the US National Prayer Breakfast on January 5, describing her as a “very respected woman” and a “Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria.”

The recognition also followed reports of US airstrikes on terrorist camps in parts of northern Nigeria amid allegations of targeted attacks on Christians, developments that have further placed Nigeria’s security situation under international spotlight.