Nigeria’s new president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shetima have been sworn in. For the next four years, they will lead the Nigerian government and people.
The first lady, though unofficial is a highly influential office. The wives of the president and vice president occupy the first lady and second lady roles respectively.
1. First Lady: Oluremi Tinubu
The distinguished former senator was born on September 21, 1960. Some sources claim she was born and raised in Ikorodu, Lagos State, while others claim she was raised in Ogun State.
Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu graduated from the Adeyemi College of Education in Ondo State with a National Certificate of Education in Botany and Zoology. She later earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). Her early career was as a high school teacher before she entered politics.
When civilian rule was restored in 1999, her husband, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was elected governor of Lagos state. As first lady, she oversaw numerous development initiatives through the New Era Foundation.
Sen. Oluremi is a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and holds a post-graduate diploma from the RCCG’s Bible college.
2. Second Lady: Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima
From 2011 to 2019, she served as the first lady of Bornu State. Four years later, she is back in government as the country’s second woman.
Nana Shettima was born into the Alkali family on July 22, 1975. She began her elementary school at the Tsangaya school in Maiduguri when she was barely six years old.
Nana was later admitted to Lamisila Primary School in 1982, where she graduated with honours in 1988. That same year, she enrolled at Government Girls College in Maiduguri. Nana distinguished herself both academically and in extracurricular activities.
After secondary education, Nana enrolled at the University of Maiduguri in 1994 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. She graduated in 1998, four years later.
Hajiya Shettima established the SWOT foundation while serving as the first lady of Bornu state. Humanitarian services were provided through this platform.