Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to stop badmouthing the country, insisting that the era when Nigeria was branded the “most corrupt country” is over.
Mrs Tinubu, who is on a two-day working visit to Gombe State, stated this while speaking at the palace of the Emir of Akko, Lamido Akko, HRH Alhaji Umar Muhammad Atiku on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
According to Mrs Tinubu, the world now regards Nigeria as a nation of opportunity and growing interest.
She argued that international perception of the country is shifting positively and that Nigerians must embrace national pride.
“Calling on us as Nigerians, stop badmouthing your nation. Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corrupt country. You won’t hear that again,” she declared.
“Even when I go abroad, when they hear you’re from Nigeria, everybody’s interested. They want to come to Nigeria. Nigeria is the next destination,” she added.
The First Lady praised Gombe’s natural scenery, describing it as comparable to the English countryside.
She stressed that Nigeria’s unique beauty, combined with its vast human potential, should make citizens more confident about the country’s future.
“We have to be proud. Your landscape is beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like that. You see that in the London countryside, but I’m seeing it here in Gombe and in other states too,” she said.
Mrs. Tinubu linked her call for national pride to the administration’s ongoing programmes in security, education, and grassroots development, noting that traditional and religious leaders have vital roles to play in shaping citizens’ attitudes.
She further explained that her work as First Lady is driven by a desire to leave Nigeria better after her husband’s tenure.
“I’m 65 years old now, I pray I live long. But I’m working so hard so that when my husband finishes his tenure, me too I can walk around safely. That is what drives me,” she added.
Meanwhile, Mrs Tinubu was conferred with the traditional title of Sarauniyar Yaki (Queen Warrior) of Akko Emirate in Gombe State.
The Lamido Akko, who bestowed the honor on Mrs. Tinubu said the title was in recognition of her commitment to protecting the interests of vulnerable groups across the country.
