The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended First Lady Remi Tinubu for her humility and dedication to the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike described his relationship with the First Lady as cordial and professional, emphasizing that she has never attempted to influence land allocations or contract awards in the FCT.
“She’s a different kind of First Lady,” Wike said. “If you’re not close to people, you won’t understand their humility or their level of support. I’ve dealt with First Ladies at various levels, but Mrs. Remi Tinubu is unique.”
Wike recounted a particular instance where the First Lady, through her aide-de-camp (ADC), contacted him to raise concerns about the poor condition of roads leading to the Presidential Villa while the President was out of town.
“Rather than exert pressure, she simply expressed concern about the roads and urged that something be done. That act alone showed she was more interested in governance than personal gain,” Wike said.
He revealed that he immediately contacted Julius Berger, who responded swiftly to fix the roads.
Wike also shared another moment that left a strong impression on him. While on a trip to China, he received a call from his ADC saying the First Lady had tried to reach him. Upon returning the call, Mrs. Tinubu personally thanked him for repairing the road to the Villa.
“That call humbled me,” Wike admitted. “For her to take the time to say thank you shows her character.”
According to the minister, the First Lady later suggested a redesign of the City Gate to give Abuja a more welcoming look, again displaying her interest in national aesthetics and public pride rather than personal benefit.
“At no point has she asked for land, contracts, or favors for anyone,” Wike stressed. “Her focus is on the success of this administration, and she supports it with sincerity and humility.”
Wike concluded by noting that it is this kind of quiet, behind-the-scenes support that contributes significantly to effective governance.
