Oluremi Tinubu: How Philanthropy and Ministry Help Me Overcome the Seclusion of Aso Rock

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has revealed that life inside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa can often feel isolated, prompting her to engage deeply in philanthropy and ministry to stay connected with people.

She disclosed this in her 52-page memoir, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, launched to mark her 65th birthday. The book, structured into five chapters covering 2021 to 2025, narrates her spiritual walk alongside her husband’s path to the presidency, with a foreword by Dr Folashade Olukoya of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.

“Life at the Presidential Villa can be quite secluded. So, when I do not have much to do, Daughters of Zelophehad Ministries became very handy,” Mrs Tinubu wrote.

Through the ministry, she began recording podcasts—later known as The Conversation—to mentor young women and married ladies, ensuring she fulfilled a personal vow to God that her husband’s presidency would not stop her outreach to young women.

She explained that her messages were deliberately short and simple to hold the attention of young people, recalling her earlier visits to universities to guide female students struggling with purpose.

Beyond ministry, the First Lady detailed her efforts in establishing the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a social intervention programme she chairs. Using leftover campaign funds and donations, she set up its governing bodies and bank account, focusing on grassroots empowerment through state First Ladies, traditional leaders, and community networks.

The RHI, she added, has since supported the elderly, students, women entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, and families of fallen soldiers. She also engaged the National Council of Women’s Societies and expanded her advocacy to Africa and beyond, joining the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development and meeting U.S. First Lady Jill Biden at the UN General Assembly in 2023.

According to her, these activities were not only a form of service but also an escape from the quiet and sometimes isolating life inside the Villa.