Saying there is still more for her to do, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to service and empowerment as Leadership Newspapers notified her of her selection as Person of the Year.
The notification was delivered during a courtesy visit by the management of Leadership Newspapers, led by its Chairman, Mrs Zainab Nda-Isaiah. The First Lady thanked the organisation for the honour and described it as a renewed call to work harder for Nigerians.
“With this, I am fired up for the year,” she said.
She explained that her approach to public service is guided by faith and purpose. “I am guided by the scripture, which says I can do all things. There is still more for me to do, what I am doing for the common man,” the First Lady stated.
Senator Tinubu also spoke about dedication, noting that hard work remains central to her values. “I like to work hard because my husband is a hard-working man,” she said.
She expressed appreciation that her contributions are being recognised as a woman, noting that she moves through life and leadership at her own pace. According to her, acknowledging that society is often described as a man’s world should encourage women to put in more effort.
“I have never seen man as a challenge, but that makes me know that I have to work three times as the man works to get ahead. I tell girls all the time, you have to be confident, focused and hardworking to get ahead,” she said.
The First Lady also paid tribute to the late founder of the Leadership Group, Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah, describing him as a man of integrity. She thanked members of management for sustaining the organisation. “I also thank all members of management who have been holding your hand up since you assumed the leadership. Thank you all,” she added.
In her remarks, Mrs Zainab Nda-Isaiah said the decision to select the First Lady as Person of the Year 2025 was unanimous among the Board and Management. She said the choice was based on records and the impact of interventions across the country through the RHI since the start of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in 2023.
The Senior Vice Chairman of the group, Azu Ishiekwene, said the First Lady has redefined the Office of the First Lady, impacting lives without tribal, religious or political considerations. He added that the award recognises excellence.
The award ceremony is scheduled to hold on 12 February 2026 and marks the 18th edition of the event, out of which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received the honour three times.
