In a statement made on Sunday during the presidential inauguration interdenominational church service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President-elect, Bola Asiwaju Tinubu, revealed that she would be one of the oldest first ladies to emerge in Nigeria.
Senator Oluremi, who represents Lagos Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, also reaffirmed that her husband is 71 years old, clearly contradicting claims by several sources that he is over 80 years old.
Expressing her heartfelt gratitude to God over her husband’s victory during the February 25 presidential poll, she said: “I can tell you that we never believed that this could happen but we thank God for giving us hope. Asiwaju is 71, I will be 63. I bet I will be one of the oldest first ladies Nigeria has had. We need the grace of God and everyone to do what they are expected to do.”
Mrs Tinubu’s revealing statement provided an interesting perspective on Nigeria’s incoming first couple and the fact that they would be one of the oldest ever leaders of the country. This is a testament to their experience and connection with the Nigerian polity.
With Nigeria being a country where age plays an important role, this statement also helps quell rumors and speculation surrounding the real age of the president-elect. Nigerians, especially his supporters, can finally put to rest the age controversy surrounding their new President, and instead look towards the new era that his inauguration promises.
