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Church members avoided me over Muslim-Muslim ticket – Remi Tinubu

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The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says her husband’s decision to run on a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2023 left her isolated in her local church, describing the episode as a “bitter pill” that split her parish and tested her faith.

She made the disclosure in her new 52-page book, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, made available to The PUNCH to mark her 65th birthday.

The five-chapter memoir is arranged by year from 2021 to 2025, with a foreword by Dr. Folashade Olukoya of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.

She recounted, “We kept moving forward with hope in God, and each campaign was interesting despite the fact that all the odds were stacked against him.

“One of such decisions was the unpopular ‘Muslim/Muslim ticket’. My being a Christian did not matter. My local Assembly, Redeemed Christian Church of God, was split.”

The Redeemed Christian Church of God is one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations with sprawling parishes nationwide and across the globe.

She noted that the division only proved the diversity of political leanings in the church.

“I later realised that we are a church like other churches with members of all political parties in attendance.

“I experienced this during my campaign in 2011 for the Senate, when I took my campaign posters to the church, and it was rebuffed.

“After that, I never tried again.

But my husband’s bid for the Presidential Office was different, a bitter pill for them to chew,” Mrs Tinubu added.

The ruling All Progressives Congress’  same-faith ticket in 2022 revived one of Nigeria’s most sensitive political arguments at the time.

Critics, including prominent Christian groups, warned the move could inflame divisions in the religiously diverse country.

However, Tinubu’s supporters countered that competence, zoning and coalition arithmetic should decide the ticket.

The last comparable precedent was 1993, when the SDP fielded Moshood Abiola and Babagana Kingibe.

The First Lady revealed that despite the animosity she faced due to her husband’s decision, she did not change places of worship.

“But I kept attending church, and I thank God I have grown from being a baby to a mature Christian.

“So the little resentment I witnessed from a few was met with the peace of God,” Mrs Tinubu wrote.

According to her, some members of the parish provided her succour despite the antagonism.

“All the same, despite a few who showed hostility, many were encouraging, especially our elders, who would encourage me from time to time with prayers.

“To this end, I am grateful to God and everyone of them, especially those of them who lived to watch the presidential inauguration when the time came. I thank the pastorate also for making arrangements for them,” she added.

“I thank my Local Assembly because most of them made me feel welcome and comfortable enough to come to church whenever I was home from Abuja, where I was still serving as a senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District,” she wrote.

The First Lady added that she could not give up her 15-year stint at the church, from where she rose from being a worker to Assistant Pastor.

Mrs Tinubu said, “I have been a dedicated member of my local assembly since 2007, and that would have been 15 years in attendance.

“Within that time, from the new members class, I graduated from The Redeemed Christian Bible College, also School of Disciples to become a worker, then a Deaconess and later an Assistant Pastor in 2018.”

President Bola Tinubu went on to win the February 2023 election, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, with Kashim Shettima as Vice-President.

The First Lady also said she had forgiven individuals who betrayed her husband during the 2023 election.

She insisted that she had no grudge against anyone and had since chosen peace.

She wrote, “I do not have anything against anyone…the question is how did I not feel the betrayal anymore? I knew the grace factor was evident, and the Holy Spirit continually comforted me. Never to avenge myself, assuring me that it is God’s prerogative. Mine is to thank Him for fighting for us.

“If God decides to fight your battles and you have won, is there any other thing that God missed and you wanted to fix? Nothing, so let it go.”

According to the First Lady, some of her husband’s closest allies were nowhere to be found when he decided to run for office.

She narrated, “He had mused on the idea for over 14 years, and this was where we arrived at a crossroads. Most people I thought would support the idea because of past relationships were not forthcoming.

“After consulting with some of his political allies, he was set to give it a shot. The decision now rested on him to go on or not to. A lot of consultations began.

“Some were favourable, while others were neither here nor there. Some said no indirectly, while others would rather want to see the outcome before taking a position.

“I realised that whatever good you do in life, it is only God who rewards you and not man,” she added.

The First Lady said she drew lessons from the life of Jesus, who went about doing good despite his many detractors.

“Letting go is what I did; doing good is what matters most. Like my Saviour Jesus Christ in Acts 10:38, who, after He was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power, went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him.

“So I do not have anything against anyone, and that also shows the frailty of man. Man is not God. We should never put our trust in any man; when they help, it is God using them to be a blessing.

“When they stop, it means their assignment for you from God has ended. Jeremiah 17:5-8. So look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2,” she added.

The First Lady tied her decision to forgive to wisdom drawn from scripture, saying she found release in thanksgiving and in refusing to expect too much from human relationships.

She narrated, “One morning, while I was in the bathroom, the Holy Spirit dropped this Word in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in my spirit man.

“He further explained to me that it is not in some things to give thanks, but in everything, both good and bad.

“Then I realised that this publication’s subtitle will be just that,” she wrote.

A long-time member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, where she rose from worker to Assistant Pastor in 2018, Mrs Tinubu said she has always viewed her political experiences through the lens of her personal devotion to God.

She recalled the backlash she faced within her church community after her husband chose a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2022, describing it as a “bitter pill.”

She continued: “I became free to write without expecting anything from man, but God.

“Also, when the Word of God says we should bless our enemies, not curse them and do good to those who persecute us, and despitefully use us.

“Also, that whatsoever we do, we should do unto the Lord, that with whatever you measure unto others, God will measure back to you. I am at peace, doing all I can to make Nigeria better and greater.”

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Adekunle Gold embraces Nigerian roots with new album ‘Fuji’

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Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold returns to his roots on Friday with the release of his sixth album, “Fuji”, which he described as a tribute to the ancestral sounds of his home country.

“That sound is the soundtrack of Lagos. It’s everywhere. That sound gave birth to Afrobeats and all the things that we hear right now,” Gold told AFP in Paris.

A descendant of the Kosoko royal family, the Afropop icon draws inspiration from the Indigenous Yoruba community, one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa.

It is “one of the oldest sounds of Nigeria”, the 38-year-old singer said.

Fuji music, a popular genre that evolved from Yoruba Muslim culture, is known for its fast beats, large ensemble of percussion instruments, and lyrics based on key sociopolitical themes.

The genre took off in Nigeria in the 1960s, shortly after the country declared independence.

Late singer-songwriter Ayinde Barrister, widely regarded as the pioneer of Fuji music, named the style after the famous Japanese mountain.

Gold blends traditional elements from Nigeria’s rich musical heritage with the catchy melodies of contemporary R&B.

Like Burna Boy or Davido, he represents this generation of Nigerian artists who have bridged divides between past and present for an international audience.

“You listen to it, and it makes your body move. It’s magical,” the singer said.

“Fuji, Highlife (another traditional genre), every sound from Nigeria makes you feel alive. I feel like that’s why it does well,” he added.

Full of colourful outfits, lively dancing, and flower-covered boats, his “Party No Dey Stop” music video — a viral duet with fellow Nigerian Zinoleesky — has amassed 29 million views on YouTube.

The song is his first major hit in the United States.

Gold, also known as AG Baby, gained fame in Nigeria in 2014 after he covered a song by popular boy band One Direction.

Since then, he has signed with American label Def Jam Recordings and has collaborated on the track “Falling Up” with funk legend Nile Rodgers and musician Pharrell Williams.

Spreading culture

Gold invites listeners to delve deep into the latest album, an emotional journey inspired by significant events from his life.

“I talk about my grief when I lost my father. I talk about my love life, my daughter, about being a family man,” he explained.

While Gold lives in the United States, he said his “heart is in Lagos”.

“I’m spreading the culture, talking about my heritage, talking about tradition,” he said.

However, challenges persist in Nigeria, where nearly 60 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line

“There have been steps in the right direction,” Gold said as he expressed hope for the future of his country.

“It is not enough for the government to do everything,” he added, calling on people to “do what we can as citizens”.

Committed to the fight against sickle cell disease, which he has lived with his entire life, Gold launched a foundation this year to fund treatment and support local charities.

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Lara George: Nigerian Gospel Icon with a Global Voice

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Lara George is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and producer whose powerful voice and timeless songs have made her one of the most respected figures in African gospel music. Based in the United States, she continues to influence gospel music worldwide through her artistry, leadership, and devotion to worship.

Early Life and Education

Lara George was born into a music-loving family in Lagos State, Nigeria. Her passion for singing was evident from an early age, and she nurtured her talent while growing up in Lagos. She later studied Architecture at the University of Lagos, where she also began to actively pursue her passion for gospel music.

Musical Career and Breakthrough

George rose to prominence as a member of the inspirational music group Kush, active in the early 2000s. The group, made up of gospel-influenced young artists, became popular for its innovative fusion of gospel, hip hop, and contemporary African sounds. Though the group disbanded, it laid the foundation for George’s successful solo career.

Her debut solo album, Forever in My Heart (2008), included the breakout hit “Ijoba Orun.” The song quickly became a gospel anthem in Nigeria, sung in churches and concerts across Africa and beyond. Its success established Lara George as one of the leading gospel voices of her generation.

Following this, she released other notable projects, including Higher (2012), Love Nwantintin (2014), and The Best of Lara George (2017), showcasing her versatility and consistency as a gospel artist.

Achievements and Recognition

Over the years, Lara George has earned numerous accolades. She won Best Female Gospel Artiste at the 2012 Africa Gospel Music Awards, among other honors.

Beyond her music, George has contributed to the industry through leadership. She serves as the Vice President of SoForte Entertainment Distribution Ltd., a pioneering Nigerian company focused on strengthening music distribution across Africa.

In 2021, her global impact was further recognized when she was invited to join the Recording Academy (organizers of the Grammy Awards) as a Voting Member, affirming her status as an international gospel voice.

Personal Life

Lara George is married to Gbenga George, an accomplished legal practitioner. Together they have two children. The family resides in Alpharetta, Georgia, United States, where George balances her family life with her music career and industry work.

Legacy and Influence

Lara George’s music blends heartfelt worship with contemporary gospel sounds, inspiring believers and non-believers alike. Songs like Ijoba Orun remain evergreen classics, while her career continues to highlight the global reach of Nigerian gospel music.

Through her voice, leadership, and consistency, Lara George has left an indelible mark on gospel music, both in Nigeria and internationally.

Sources

Vanguard Nigeria – Lara George: Life as a Gospel Singer (2018)

Africa Gospel Music Awards – Winners List 2012

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The 1973 Nigerian “Hides and Skins” Postage Stamp: A Window into Economic Identity

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In 1973, Nigeria introduced a new definitive postage stamp series to reflect the country’s transition from the British sterling system to the Naira and Kobo currency. Known as the Industry and National Pride issue, or simply the 1973–1986 Definitive Issue, the series highlighted major sectors that shaped Nigeria’s economy and cultural identity in the post-independence period.

Among the most notable designs in the set was the 1 kobo “Hides and Skins” stamp, which depicted the trade in animal hides and skins. This was not a casual choice. For decades, hides and skins were one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural exports, particularly from the northern region, and they played a major role in the nation’s foreign exchange earnings during the 1960s and 1970s. By placing this industry on a definitive stamp, Nigeria emphasized its economic significance while also projecting a sense of national pride rooted in traditional livelihoods.

The Role of Definitive Stamps

Unlike commemorative stamps, which are printed for specific events or anniversaries, definitive stamps are produced for everyday postal use and often remain in circulation for many years. The “Hides and Skins” stamp, therefore, went beyond a symbolic tribute. It became a practical emblem of Nigerian economic identity, traveling across the country and abroad through the nation’s postal system.

Artistic Contributions

The 1973 series included designs created by Nigerian artists such as Austin Onwudimegwu and Erhabor Emokpae, both of whom contributed to different denominations in the set. While collectors and catalogues acknowledge their involvement in the issue, attribution for specific denominations, including the “Hides and Skins” design, is not always clearly documented. What remains clear, however, is that the series as a whole reflected a conscious effort to use Nigerian artistic talent to celebrate national industry.

A Stamp as History

To philatelists and historians, the “Hides and Skins” stamp is more than just a piece of postal paper. It embodies a snapshot of Nigeria’s economic priorities at a time when agriculture, rather than oil, still dominated the country’s exports. It also reflects the broader post-independence aspiration to craft a distinctly Nigerian visual identity in official symbols.

Today, this stamp is valued not only for its function and design but also for its historical resonance. It offers collectors and researchers a window into how a young nation sought to represent itself to the world—through industry, culture, and pride.

Sources

Stanley Gibbons Stamp Catalogue: Commonwealth and British Empire Stamps (West Africa listings).

Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Nigeria 1973–1986 definitive issues)

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