Drop Entitlement Mentality, Remi Tinubu Urges Nigerians

Drop Entitlement Mentality, Remi Tinubu Urges Nigerians

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to abandon what she described as an “entitlement mentality” and instead embrace responsibility, integrity and service in their daily lives.

She made the appeal while hosting an interfaith breaking of fast for women during the ongoing Ramadan and Lent in Abuja.

The event brought together women from various sectors across the country and featured both an Iftar and Lenten reflection session, highlighting the coinciding observance of the two religious periods.

In a statement issued on Thursday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent carries a strong message of unity for the nation.

“Today, like I said, is indeed a great day. It is a day that God only made for us to gather together, and for women, first, from different backgrounds. Since the Ramadan fast was announced, and the Lenten season began together, it was like God was speaking to us as a nation,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu noted that although some individuals attempt to create divisions along religious lines, Nigerians have historically coexisted peacefully regardless of faith.

“Recently, we know a lot of things have been going on and people are trying to target towards our religious beliefs… And we Nigerians, we know that most of the time that is not the case. Some of us are married to men of different faiths, and we lived together among us for many years. Me, almost 40 years,” she said.

Drawing from her personal experience, the First Lady referred to her marriage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying mutual respect and understanding have helped sustain their relationship for nearly four decades.

“And I can tell you, I cannot remember when both of us raised our voices at each other. Maybe not more than twice in the 40 years, I can tell you that,” she added.

She urged Nigerians to move away from what she described as a culture of entitlement and instead focus on making meaningful contributions to society.

The First Lady also encouraged women whose spouses hold public office, as well as those occupying leadership positions themselves, to recognise their influence in promoting responsible leadership and national development.

“Most women in this room, either you have your own office, or your husband is in the public office… you as the wife has the role to play,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu further stressed the importance of mentoring younger generations, noting that the future of the country depends largely on the values and guidance passed on to them.

Also speaking at the gathering, a Director at the National Open University of Nigeria, Ganiyat Adejoke Adesina-Uthman, delivered a lecture in which she raised concerns about what she described as a growing crisis of trust in public office.

She emphasised the need for leaders and citizens alike to rebuild public confidence through transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in governance.