First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has described the intervention of the United States in Nigeria as “a blessing,” saying the global attention it generated has helped highlight the country’s challenges and ongoing reforms.
Gatekeepers News reports that the spoke during an interview with Fox News in Washington, D.C., where she reflected on the intense international scrutiny Nigeria has faced in recent months, including concerns over insecurity, alleged attacks on Christians and US airstrikes on militant camps.
According to her, the attention has created opportunities for dialogue and cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
“It (US intervention) was quite a blessing. Who would have thought that President Trump would recognise me? Even to say the least, it was unexpected,” she said.
She linked the recognition to the belief that positive outcomes can emerge from difficult situations.
“If something is going to be good, it will come from the rubbles. And it starts like that. Then we have the attention, the conversations, and we expect there will be more. It’s going to yield better fruit for us, both for Nigeria and for America,” she said.
Addressing criticisms from some US lawmakers over allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, the First Lady insisted that the Federal Government is actively tackling insecurity and engaging international partners to clarify the situation on the ground.
She highlighted steps taken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the recruitment of additional police and military personnel, the arming of forest guards to secure areas used as militant hideouts, and the redeployment of security operatives to flashpoints such as Plateau, Benue and Taraba states.
“Our country encourages freedom of religion, which is entrenched in our constitution. We are focused on protecting our people while also creating conditions for economic growth,” she added.
President Donald Trump had, on January 5, during the US National Prayer Breakfast, recognised Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a “very respected woman” and “a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria.”
Her comments come months after US forces reportedly bombed terrorist camps in Sokoto following allegations of widespread persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
A CNN report said Trump later placed Nigeria on a watchlist after watching a Fox News segment on the alleged persecution of Christians.
Following the global scrutiny, the Federal Government reportedly hired a US lobbying firm for $9 million to convey its efforts at protecting Christians in the country.
