In a passionate address delivered during a two-day working visit to Gombe State, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, called on Nigerians to refrain from disparaging their country and to embrace a renewed sense of national pride. Speaking at the palace of the Emir of Akko, HRH Alhaji Umar Muhammad Atiku, on Thursday, October 2, 2025, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that the era when Nigeria was labeled as the “most corrupt country” is firmly in the past. Her remarks underscored a shifting global perception of Nigeria as a land of opportunity and a destination of growing international interest. This appeal forms part of her broader vision to foster unity, optimism, and confidence in Nigeria’s potential as the nation navigates ongoing challenges and opportunities.
Mrs. Tinubu’s visit to Gombe State was marked by a warm reception and a series of engagements aimed at promoting grassroots development, education, and national unity. Her speech at the Emir’s palace resonated with a message of hope and transformation, urging Nigerians to align their rhetoric with the country’s evolving narrative. “Calling on us as Nigerians, stop badmouthing your nation. Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corrupt country. You won’t hear that again,” she declared with conviction. This statement reflects her belief that negative stereotypes about Nigeria are outdated and no longer reflect the nation’s trajectory. She argued that the international community now views Nigeria with curiosity and enthusiasm, eager to explore its economic and cultural potential.
The First Lady’s optimism about Nigeria’s global image was further reinforced by her personal experiences abroad. “Even when I go abroad, when they hear you’re from Nigeria, everybody’s interested. They want to come to Nigeria. Nigeria is the next destination,” she stated. This shift in perception, according to Mrs. Tinubu, is a testament to the strides Nigeria has made in recent years, particularly under the administration of her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She highlighted the growing interest in Nigeria as a hub for investment, tourism, and cultural exchange, urging citizens to embrace this positive momentum and project a unified, confident image of their country.
Mrs. Tinubu also took the opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty of Gombe State, drawing comparisons to the picturesque landscapes of the English countryside. “We have to be proud. Your landscape is beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like that. You see that in the London countryside, but I’m seeing it here in Gombe and in other states too,” she remarked. Her admiration for Gombe’s scenery was not merely aesthetic; it served as a metaphor for Nigeria’s untapped potential. By highlighting the country’s natural and human resources, she encouraged Nigerians to take pride in their heritage and recognize the unique attributes that set Nigeria apart on the global stage.
The First Lady’s call for national pride was intricately tied to the broader objectives of the Tinubu administration, which she described as focused on improving security, advancing education, and fostering grassroots development. She emphasized the critical role of traditional and religious leaders in shaping public attitudes and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. “Traditional and religious leaders have vital roles to play in shaping citizens’ attitudes,” she noted, underscoring the importance of community leadership in promoting unity and discouraging divisive or negative rhetoric. By engaging with local leaders in Gombe, Mrs. Tinubu sought to strengthen partnerships between the government and traditional institutions to drive social and economic progress.
Reflecting on her personal motivations, Mrs. Tinubu shared a heartfelt insight into her work as First Lady. At 65 years old, she expressed a deep commitment to leaving a lasting legacy for Nigeria. “I’m 65 years old now, I pray I live long. But I’m working so hard so that when my husband finishes his tenure, me too I can walk around safely. That is what drives me,” she said. This candid revelation highlighted her dedication to public service and her desire to contribute to a safer, more prosperous Nigeria. Her words resonated with the audience, many of whom see her as a symbol of resilience and compassion, working tirelessly to uplift vulnerable groups and promote national unity.
During the visit, Mrs. Tinubu was honored with the traditional title of Sarauniyar Yaki (Queen Warrior) by the Lamido Akko, HRH Alhaji Umar Muhammad Atiku. The title was conferred in recognition of her unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of vulnerable populations across Nigeria. The Emir praised her efforts in championing causes such as women’s empowerment, education, and healthcare, noting that her work has had a transformative impact on communities nationwide. The conferment of the title was a significant moment, symbolizing the deep respect and appreciation that traditional leaders in Gombe have for the First Lady’s contributions to national development.
Mrs. Tinubu’s appeal to “stop badmouthing your nation” is particularly timely, given the challenges Nigeria faces, including economic uncertainties, security concerns, and social divisions. Her message serves as a reminder that collective progress requires a shift in mindset—from criticism and despair to optimism and collaboration. By encouraging Nigerians to focus on the country’s strengths and potential, she aims to inspire a renewed sense of patriotism that transcends regional, ethnic, and political differences. This call to action aligns with her broader advocacy for unity and resilience, themes that have defined her tenure as First Lady.
The First Lady’s visit to Gombe State also provided an opportunity to highlight the administration’s ongoing initiatives in the region. Gombe, like many northern states, has benefited from federal programs aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Mrs. Tinubu’s engagement with local leaders and communities underscored the importance of grassroots development in achieving sustainable progress. By visiting traditional institutions such as the Akko Emirate, she demonstrated the administration’s commitment to working closely with cultural and religious leaders to address local challenges and promote national cohesion.
In addition to her remarks on national pride, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the importance of education as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s development. She has consistently advocated for increased access to quality education, particularly for girls and marginalized groups. Her work through initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Initiative has focused on empowering young people and providing them with the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world. In Gombe, she reiterated her commitment to these goals, urging local leaders to support efforts to improve educational outcomes and create opportunities for the youth.
The First Lady’s message also resonates with Nigeria’s broader aspirations to redefine its place in the global community. As Africa’s most populous nation and a leading economy, Nigeria has the potential to become a global powerhouse. However, achieving this vision requires a collective effort to overcome internal challenges and project a positive image to the world. Mrs. Tinubu’s call to stop “badmouthing” the nation is a plea for Nigerians to become ambassadors of their country, celebrating its achievements and working together to address its shortcomings.
Her remarks in Gombe were met with enthusiasm and support from local leaders and residents, who see her as a unifying figure in Nigerian politics. The conferment of the Sarauniyar Yaki title further cemented her connection to the people of Gombe and underscored the importance of traditional institutions in fostering national unity. As Nigeria continues to navigate a complex socio-economic landscape, Mrs. Tinubu’s message serves as a rallying cry for citizens to embrace their shared identity and work toward a brighter future.
In conclusion, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s visit to Gombe State was a powerful moment in her ongoing efforts to promote national pride and unity. Her appeal to Nigerians to stop badmouthing their country reflects a deep belief in Nigeria’s potential and a desire to reshape its global image. By celebrating the country’s natural beauty, human potential, and cultural heritage, she hopes to inspire a new generation of Nigerians to take pride in their nation and contribute to its progress. As Sarauniyar Yaki, she continues to lead by example, championing the cause of the vulnerable and working tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria emerges stronger and more united. Her message is clear: Nigeria’s future is bright, and it begins with the collective pride and determination of its people.