Trump recognises Remi Tinubu at US national prayer breakfast

US President Donald Trump has recognised Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s first lady, at the US national prayer breakfast held in Washington DC on Thursday.
Trump, while acknowledging her presence at the event, described Tinubu as a respected figure and a Christian pastor.
“We are honoured to be joined by the First Lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu, who also happens to be a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. She is a very respected woman. It is a great honour. Thank you very much,” Trump said in a video from the event.
The national prayer breakfast is an annual gathering that brings together people of different political and religious backgrounds for prayers.
Tinubu was ordained as a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal churches, in 2018.
Her attendance comes amid renewed attention by the US government on allegations of killings and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
In October 2025, Trump redesignated Nigeria as a country of particular concern over claims of a Christian genocide.
About a month later, he directed the United States department of war to prepare for possible action against Islamic terrorists operating in Nigeria.
On December 25, 2025, the US launched air strikes targeting ISIS fighters in Sokoto state in north western Nigeria.
Subsequently, both countries formed a joint working group to address counter terrorism and religious freedom concerns.