Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, reflected on mercy and compassion as key virtues while preaching unity and faith to a gathering of religious leaders at Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 13th century.
Addressing attendees on Thursday, Mrs. Tinubu spoke of her daily spiritual practice during her bout with COVID-19 and her experience as a writer. “I wrote a book during that time, called ‘Time of It’, around 2017. I’m not a writer, but I can do all things. There’s nothing I can’t do,” she said.
The Nigerian First Lady, who is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), harped on the importance of listening and finding value in every individual, regardless of background or belief.
“We have to learn to listen to each other and try to get the good out of everyone, irrespective of who we are or who we worship,” she said.
Reflecting on her public service, Remi recounted her career from teaching to her 12 years in the Senate: “I started as a teacher, then went into the Senate. God kept me there for three terms, 12 years. We’re doing exceedingly abundant here at home. Let’s walk what we are doing.”
In the sermon which lasted about six minutes, she called for a more compassionate world at a time of global uncertainty, anchoring her message on scriptures.
During her visit, Mrs. Tinubu engaged with leaders of the Church of England, including Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin and Bishop Emma Ineson, fostering dialogue on faith, service, and social cohesion.
After the First Lady’s sermon, prayers were offered for Nigeria by the Anglican Church. At a reception, she engaged with representatives from the Church of England and faith-based charities where she disclosed she was born and raised as an Anglican.
Oluremi was later shown historic items and materials as it pertains to the global outreach of the Anglican Communion, including its long-standing ties with Nigeria.
