CELEBRATING OLUREMI TINUBU AT 54

One of Nigeria’s most active female philanthropists and politicians, Senator Oluremi Tinubu clocked 54 on Sunday, September 21. Senator Tinubu represents Lagos Central Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). An educationist, administrator, philanthropist and Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON! she was the exemplary First Lady of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, during which period she founded the New Era Foundation; a non-profit organisation, dedicated to youth development, girl-child education, women empowerment and inspiring young persons to excellence.

Senator Tinubu was born on September 21, 1960 as the twelfth child of Chief and Mrs. John Ikusebiala (Odugbesan) of Ogun State. She had her secondary education at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School Ijebu-Ode. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education (Biology) from University of Ife, now known as the Obafemi Awolowo University as well as a National Certificate of Education in Botany and Zoology from the Adeyemi College of Education.

Her interests lie in the promotion of the rights and dignity of the poor, disadvantaged and most vulnerable members of the society. One of her major achievements as First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 was the establishment of New Era Foundation, a non- governmental organisation which is geared towards voluntary social service through programmes that are geared towards youth and women development.
Some of the foundation’s initiatives include: The Spelling Bee a spelling competition which provides a platform for pupils of public secondary and primary schools in Lagos to showcase their innate talents while inculcating in them the good value of healthy rivalry essential for good academic performance. The winners of the spelling bee contest  are sponsored on educational exchange programmes abroad, and given scholarships throughout the duration of their university education and go on to act as “One Day Governor” of Lagos State; HIV/ AIDS advocacy programme for youths which trains, educates and enlightens the youth on the HIV/AIDS pandemic; the Alternative High School  for girls which is an innovative formal education institution which serves as a vehicle for rehabilitation and propelling girls who have dropped out of secondary school to prepare for and obtain secondary school certificates and other acceptable societal values and norms; The National Wheel Chair Tennis Championship, a competition which showcases the innate talents of the physically challenged athletes in Nigeria; the Junior Chef Competition which a cooking competition aimed at inculcating cooking skills among young school children.

A role model for the Nigerian Youth, and women, Oluremi Tinubu is a philanthropist and a patron to several non- governmental and humanitarian organisations. As Senator, she hosts a quarterly Town Hall Meeting with her constituents, to render accounts of her stewardship and obtain feed-backs on their developmental needs. To date, she has sponsored three bills: to provide Social Security for Elderly Citizens; seek the Amendment of the Labour Act, to enhance employment opportunities for women, and; a Bill to provide Special Economic Assistance to Lagos State in view of its status as a former capital city and the commercial capital of Nigeria.

Senator Tinubu has written a number of publications, including an auto-biography, The Journey of Grace — My Faith Walk and delivered informed presentations at various fora at home and abroad.

In recognition of her achievements and contributions to societal upliftment, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has been honoured severally locally and internationally. Among these are the National award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger [OON]; Fellowship of both Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo and College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti; Member, Board of Trustees of Kings’ University, Ode-Omu; Ghana Noble International Award for Leadership (2004); Gambian Diamond Award for Immense Contribution to the Emancipation of People from Poverty (2005); many citations and chieftaincy titles. In appreciation of her contributions as a role model, the AFAO/WAWA (Association Des Femmes De L’Afrique De L’Ouest/West African Women Association) named the Oluremi Tinubu Women Training Centre in Gorom, Senegal after her.

She is happily married with children to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, immediate past Governor of Lagos State.