Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs and Ambassador-designate, today commended the recent diplomatic engagement of Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in the United States, describing it as a pivotal "reset button" that has effectively revitalized Nigeria's global image and countered longstanding negative narratives.
During her attendance at the 74th National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on February 5, 2026, the First Lady was publicly acknowledged by U.S. President Donald Trump, who praised her as a "very respected woman" and highlighted her role as an ordained Christian pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Nigeria's largest church.
This high profile recognition underscores Nigeria's commitment to religious inclusivity and peace, directly challenging misconceptions about the nation's security challenges.
In a statement issued today, Senator Ibrahim emphasized the strategic impact of the visit: "This visit has reset the clock on how the world views us. By standing on that global stage, the First Lady didn’t just represent the President; she represented the truth of our national character. Her presence as a pastor and a leader is a masterstroke that dispels the ‘religious genocide’ myth better than any formal protest could."
The Senator further noted that Mrs. Tinubu's engagement exemplifies the power of soft diplomacy in modern international relations. "For her to gain access to that level of engagement is a demonstration of influence rooted in religious diplomacy. It sent a clear, undeniable message: our President is a man of peace who leads a diverse and inclusive nation. History will be kind to her for this intervention."
This diplomatic milestone comes amid ongoing efforts by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to foster stronger international partnerships and address security issues through collaboration, including the recent formation of a US-Nigeria Working Group.
Senator Ibrahim asserted that the First Lady's actions have paved the way for fairer, merit-based cooperation with global partners, particularly the United States, by humanizing Nigeria's leadership and correcting distorted perceptions.
The Senator urged Nigerians and the international community to recognize this as a turning point, affirming the administration's dedication to secular and equitable governance. "Thanks to this visit, our message of unity and fairness has been loudly heard across the globe," he concluded.