President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as his “truest friend and confidante” and praising her for her patience, courage and unwavering support over the years.

In a birthday message issued to mark the occasion, Tinubu said that if he had the opportunity to start life again, he would still choose the same path that brought him to Oluremi.

“If life returned me to the beginning, I would choose the same road that led me to you. Through every mile, my heart has always remained at home with you,” the President said.

Addressing his wife as “Oluremi mi”, Tinubu said she had stood by him through difficult times, offering prayers, advice and support even when he could not put his thoughts into words.

He said Oluremi had remained the person who understood him best and often knew when he needed advice before he asked for it.

“More often than not, you sense when I need counsel before I ask. There have been nights when your presence alone was counsel enough,” he said.

The President described the First Lady as a trusted confidante who always tells him the truth, even when it is difficult to hear.

“I call you my truest friend and confidante because you speak the truth plainly, even on the days I would rather not hear it,” Tinubu said.

He also praised Oluremi for her role in the family, saying their children and grandchildren had grown under the guidance of her prayers, faith and values.

Tinubu further commended her humanitarian efforts, noting that her compassion had touched the lives of young people, widows, elderly citizens and women farmers across the country.

He recalled her work through the New Era Foundation during his years in Lagos and her activities under the Renewed Hope Initiative as First Lady.

The President also acknowledged her advocacy for people affected by tuberculosis and other diseases, saying her compassion had extended beyond tribal, regional and religious boundaries.

Reflecting on their years together, Tinubu said they had faced difficult decisions and made sacrifices that were not always seen by others, adding that “laughter and prayer” helped them through many of those moments.

He thanked his wife for the life they had built together and prayed for many more years of good health, happiness and fulfilment.

“Happy 66th birthday, my darling Oluremi. I pray that God Almighty will grant you many more years in good health and joy,” he said.

Tinubu also prayed that the years ahead would bring Oluremi the same comfort and happiness she had given to him and many others.