Lasun Alagbe
If First Lady Remi Tinubu begins to attach the tile ‘VRW’ to her name, only few people should berate her.
It speaks to the rare accolade she just received from an almost impossible quarter: usually fiery-tongued US President Donald Trump.
Almost from the blues, he on Thursday described the senator-turned First Lady as a very respected woman.
It is not a tribute the opposition in Nigeria will like but Trump gave the acknowledgement while speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC.
The annual event, attended by members of the US Congress, religious leaders and international guests, featured Trump eulogising Mrs Tinubu in the audience as he addressed attendees on matters of faith and global religious freedom.
It was also a good day for the Redeemed Christian Church of God as Trump also made reference to it.
According to him, he was honoured to have Mrs Tinubu, who he described as a pastor in ‘Nigeria’s largest church’, in attendance at the prayer breakfast.
“We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria.
“A very respected woman. First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honour. Thank you very much. Very respected person, too. Thank you,” Trump said as he looked into the crowd.
The question that may arise is how did Remi Tinubu get the almighty abuse-loving Trump so charmed.
Only recently, he dubbed Nigeria a now-disgraced country, although the relationship has so dramatically improved, with the US helping to strike down terrorists in Sokoto.
It has also sent down troops to the insurgency-embattled Giant of Africa.
So, how did Remi Tinubu charm the Lion of the White House?
Political diplomacy apart, many observers are likely to agree that she deserves the rare global accolade she has got.
Since her husband became the President, she has been working tremendously in the humanitarian areas, raising huge funds that she has been donating in different parts of the country.
Besides, she has been able to largely manage her ‘office’ well, even as she ra;;ng women for her husband’s progress.
Very importantly too, Remi has been able to largely avoid undue controversy or outright scandals.
These and other related factors may thus have been part of what informed Trump’s beautiful song for her.
